The Incident: STT Electrix, a newly opened electric bicycle shop in Calgary, suffered a devastating break-in on July 22, 2024. Thieves stole four e-bikes worth over $10,000 and left the business with significant damages.

What happened:

•  Around 5:30 a.m., two men broke into the shop on 58 Avenue S.E. using a fire extinguisher to smash the front door.
• Surveillance footage showed the suspects using an angle grinder to cut through bike locks before fleeing with four e-bikes:

             •    Carbo Model S (Red): $2,937

             •    OHM Quest 2 (Granite): $3,527

             •    Element Eventure 29 (Red): $2,000

             •    Ampr’ Up 2.0 (Silver): $1,750

• The suspects fled in a stolen yellow Leon’s Furniture truck, which was later recovered nearby.

What they’re saying:

• “It was absolutely devastating because we’re a new business,” said owner Avi Beierbach, who now faces additional costs from damaged inventory.
• Calgary police have launched an investigation and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Backdrop:

• E-bikes are becoming a hot commodity for thieves, driven by rising demand in North America.
• The incident highlights the vulnerability of high-value retail items, even when businesses take proactive measures like alarms, surveillance, and bike registration.

What you can do to safeguard your assets:

• Reinforce entry points: Use roll-down shutters or security bars to protect doors and windows.
• Invest in advanced alarm systems: Motion-detection alarms with real-time alerts can help deter thieves and notify authorities quickly.
• Partner with experts: Guardka Security provides tailored security solutions, including enhanced physical barriers and risk assessments, to help businesses like STT Electrix protect their assets.