Cambridge police warn of waywardness as members of the public recover stolen bike from camp

Recent reports of Cambridge residents taking matters into their own hands to recover stolen items have led police to warn that vigilante activities could lead to serious consequences.

Earlier this month, a video was posted to social media showing Cambridge residents entering an encampment known as ‘Shantytown’ in search of a stolen bicycle.

The video received hundreds of comments and thousands of views, as residents called for more groups to enter these camps and take matters into their own hands.

One of the most common themes in the comments was that the police are not doing their job and allowing theft to go unchecked in the region.

In response to questions at a police board meeting, Waterloo Regional Police Chief Mark Crowell took issue with the claim that police are not doing enough to tackle theft.

“I dispute these claims that we do not have the resources or capabilities. Most of these are very complex investigations that require due diligence, they require a collaborative response from our investigative teams and frontline officers of all kinds,” Crowell said.

“We recognize that there is frustration on all sides when it comes to some of these issues and we have a number of crime response plans that address some of the identified issues relating to stolen property and encampments.”

Cambridge councilor Adam Cooper was critical of the police response, adding that they were “completely ignoring” these thefts, leaving residents feeling like there were two sets of rules.

“The police have a tough job and I support them, but there is a public perception that we have a two-tiered system of law enforcement; there are rules that the general public must follow and then there is a different set of rules for those on the streets,” Cooper said in an email to CambridgeToday.

Cooper added that thieves know police won’t intervene, which is why “chop shops” are rampant in these camps.

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“These bikes are stripped down and their serial numbers removed so they can no longer be identified. The evidence for this is immense. I personally have videos and images of bike shops set up in more than one location,” Cooper said.

The video shot at the encampment shows dozens of bicycles in various conditions, some cut into pieces and others lying under tarps. Cooper said any attempt to portray these as mental health or addiction issues and not theft is “reprehensible.”

“Anyone who tries to make this claim is full of nonsense. Such absurd claims only serve as a second slap in the face to those who have already fallen victim to these criminal acts,” he said.

“These bikes are stolen because they have value to the thieves, either to resell or as personal transportation.”

Crowell confirms that there is a “whole economy” in which bicycles and other metals are stolen and sold to organized crime, scrap metal recyclers or on the black market.

“This is something that is plaguing our community, but also the commission as a whole.”

In terms of vigilance, this is something that Cooper says is “inevitable.”

“My message to the police and all others responsible for the safety of our residents is this: if appropriate action is not taken quickly by all involved, the public will take action to protect themselves,” he said.

Both Crowell and WRPS are advising residents not to enter encampments to retrieve property they believe has been stolen.

“Waterloo Regional Police are aware of individuals visiting camps in the region in attempts to retrieve items they believe have been stolen,” WRPS communications officer Chris Iden said in an email to CambridgeToday.

Iden affirms that any type of structure in which an individual lives can be considered a place of residence for those who live there, and as such they have an expectation and right to privacy.

“Anyone found unlawfully entering such properties may be charged accordingly,” he said.

Crowell maintains that the police department has shown a commitment to its enforcement capabilities as well as its ability to work with encampments and municipalities to recognize that this is a total community issue.

“When we have people dealing with issues like homelessness and addiction, whether they live near a residential or commercial area, there is an impact,” Crowell said.

“There is an impact on the visibility and the perception and the reality of safety. So we just encourage everyone to continue to work with us as best they can.”

Crowell added that to help identify a bike that may have been stolen, always take photos and record serial numbers.