A “hitch” in the Toronto Police Online Bike Registration system was written about in the Star over the weekend.
Police debut online registrations, but proof of ownership overlooked.
“Four thousand bicycles are reportedly stolen each year here in Toronto and it is a big number, we want to create awareness,” police Chief William Blair said when unveiling the program.
When a stolen bike is recovered, police can search the database to make a prompt return to the owner if it is registered.
Cyclists register by logging on to torontopolice.on.ca and clicking “bicycle registration.” Along with their I.D., they provide their bicycle’s make and model, year and serial number. But they’re never asked to provide proof of purchase.
Have you used the online system yet? What are your impressions? Does the benefits and ease-of-use of the system outweigh this potentially large loophole?
