The staff of a Victoria bicycle shop posted some surprising security camera video on its Facebook page Friday afternoon.
In the video, a man can be seen apparently browsing the selection at Giant Bicycles Victoria. He waits for staff to leave the room, before casually grabbing a bike and walking out the front door.
A few seconds later, a store employee comes back into the picture and makes his way out the door as well. That employee - manager Dylan Phye - told CTV News he was able to get the stolen bike back.
“I ran up the street, grabbed the bike from him, exchanged a few choice words, and then came back,” Phye said.
The bike that almost got away was worth more than $1,100.
Giant Bicycles called Victoria police to report the incident. Police say the suspect also made off with stolen goods from a nearby Eddie Bauer store. He is facing charges.
Phye said the shop decided to post the security video to its Facebook page as a reminder to other local businesses.
“We did it to alert other businesses in Victoria,” he said. “It can happen to anybody and happen that quick, so you’ve always got to stay on the ball.”
Phye also hopes the video will serve as a deterrent to other would-be bike thieves.
“We do have great cameras, you know?” He said. “We are always alert, so don’t try anything with us because we will catch you or we will find you.”
