A man is seen cutting through a lock to steal two bicycles from the Redcliff Public Library's bike loan program. (Screengrab From Facebook/Redcliff Public Library)

By Chris Brown

Two loaner bikes stolen from Redcliff Public Library

Jun 13, 2023 | 12:59 PM

REDCLIFF, AB – The Redcliff Public Library is pedalling on with its bicycle checkout program, despite two of the bikes being stolen this weekend.

Just after 2 a.m. on Saturday, June 10, a man used a grinder to cut the the locks and take one all-season bike and one mountain bike.

“It was really upsetting to see somebody come in with the purpose to take them,” library manager Tracy Laturnus says. “It wasn’t like the bikes weren’t secure. We have heavy-duty locks that obviously he had to come here with a grinder to get them. So, you know, he knew what he was doing and it was really upsetting to see it happening.”

The theft was caught on the library’s security camera. The footage has been shared with Redcliff RCMP and an investigation is ongoing. You can watch the theft below.

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Screengrab From Facebook/Redcliff Public Library

Screengrab From Facebook/Redcliff Public Library

Laturnus says the remaining loaner bikes have been moved inside the building in order to keep the program running for the summer. There are two regular cruiser bikes, two mountain bikes and two youth bikes still for available to be checked out by library card holders.

The program began with nine bicycles in 2019, going down to eight after an all-season bike was stolen last year. That prompted organizers to shut down the program over winter, relaunching it for the summer a few weeks ago.

With only six bikes left, the program could be in jeopardy.

The initial program was sponsored by Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta Laturnus explains, saying it cost about $4,000 to start.

“That purchased all the bikes, the helmets, the bike rack, the locks, everything. So it wasn’t a small chunk of change to get this going and as the inventory dwindles the program will, we’ll see how it continues.”

Laturnus says there’s been string of minor vandalism to the building, the technology and furniture in the month that is weighing on the staff.

“You kind of of lose your energy and enthusiasm to bring more programs and things like this to the community. So we need a minute to catch our breath and get focused again and see what else we can do.”

Anyone with information regarding the theft is asked to contact Redcliff RCMP at 403-548-2288. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.