ARTICLES

The Medicine Hat Police Service has partnered with Bike Index and is encouraging cyclists to register their bikes.

Bike Index is a non-profit, online bike registry to prove ownership, alert the community if a bike has been stolen, search a found bicycle to identify its owner and help police return recovered bicycles to their rightful owners as soon as possible. Similar partnerships with the Edmonton, Calgary and Lethbridge Police Services have proven to be effective.

Bike Index enables owners to create a free account and in just a few minutes their bike is registered. Owners can create an account at BikeIndex.org, including the bike’s serial number, make, model, and colour. A photo can be added as well as additional details like aftermarket parts and other distinguishing features.

Once a bike is registered a Bike Index sticker, each with a unique code can be picked up at the MHPS or by attending Gravity Sports or CyclePath bike shops in Medicine Hat. In addition, MHPS officers will be handing out stickers on September 12, 2020 from 10 AM to 2 PM in the parking lot of the MHPS Annex building, across from the police station (884 2^nd Street SE). Social distancing protocols will be in effect. Please note: bike owners do not need to physically bring their bike to the station to register on Bike Index. A photo, physical description (make/model/distinguishing characteristics) and serial number are all that are required.

Owners can scan the sticker’s code with a smartphone camera and link to their bike. Bike Index stickers are made of a strong, weather-resistant material and are extremely difficult to remove. They help serve as a deterrent for potential bike thieves by showing the bike is being watched by the entire community and the owner can be identified by simply scanning the code.

If a registered bike goes missing, the owner can log on and mark it as lost or stolen. When the bike is recovered, the code can be scanned and the owner contacted. If a bike wasn’t registered before it went missing, the owner can still create an account and mark it as stolen.

In addition to registering with Bike Index, citizens are also reminded to safeguard their bikes by taking steps to help reduce the risk of theft.

On average, each year the MHPS receives 150 reports of bikes stolen, with only 15-20 of those returned to the owner. However the total number of recovered bikes each year is in excess of 200 which suggests thefts are under reported. The MHPS currently has a number of recovered bikes in our compound located on the east side of the annex building located across from the station at 884 2^nd Street SE. Anyone whose bike has been stolen is encouraged to attend the station and take a look. If you observe your bike, call 403-529-8479 during business hours to speak to a Property Clerk. Bikes are held for a minimum of 30 days then sent to auction.

While there is no way to completely eliminate the risk of theft, police advise cyclists to always use a good lock – a U-lock is recommended. Lock your wheels and frame together, use a designated bike rack as sign poles, trees, fences, etc. are not as secure, lock bikes in well-lit, well-traveled areas, when possible do not leave a locked bike on a public street overnight and at home secure your bike – locked up if possible – in a locked garage or shed.

If your bike is stolen report it to police online at www.mhps.ca, via the MHPS mobile app or by calling 403-529-8481.

Media Contact:

Insp Brent Secondiak
Operational Services Division
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8412

At 1329hrs on September 3rd, 2020, a moped driven by a 35-year old Medicine Hat woman was northbound in the outside lane of South Railway St SE approaching the 5th St SE intersection. The moped abruptly changed lanes into the inside lane and collided with the passenger side of a northbound Ford F450 truck towing an unloaded flat deck trailer.

The resulting collision with the vehicle and the road surface resulted in substantial injuries to the 35-year old female driver of the moped. The female rider was flown to Calgary by EMS with serious life-threatening injuries. No injuries occurred to the driver of the Ford F450. The MHPS Traffic Unit is investigating the collision and their investigation is on-going. Operating any vehicle requires the utmost attention at all times, especially on “small vehicles” including mopeds, motorcycles, power bicycles and mobility aids. The MHPS remains committed to ensuring all small vehicles are safe and operated appropriately on our roadways.

The MHPS offers our sincerest hopes that the female driver of the moped will recover from her injuries.   

On August 31, 2020 at approximately 8:30 PM, members of the Medicine Hat Police (MHPS) were called to a residence located in the 0 hundred block of 3 Street NE following a report of persons breaking into a residence and assaulting the occupants. The altercation resulted in minor injuries to two persons and the persons responsible for the incident fled the scene prior to police arrival.

At this time there is no general public safety risk as this appears to have been an isolated and targeted incident. The MHPS Major Crime Section will be continuing the investigation.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800 -222-8477 (TIPS). Tips may also be submitted (anonymously if preferred) thru the MHPS Mobile App, which is free and available to download for both Apple and Android devices by searching ‘Medicine Hat Police Service’ on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Media Contact:

Acting S/Sgt. Adam Gregory
Major Crime Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-594-0520

 

On the evening of August 31^st at about 11:13 pm the Medicine Hat Police along with other emergency personnel attended to the scene of a single vehicle motor vehicle collision on the Trans-Canada highway and the Kin Coulee Dip. The investigation caused both the eastbound and westbound lanes of the highway to be shut down for several hours. All three occupants of the vehicle were injured in the crash, one of which was the driver. One of the passengers was transported to Calgary with what is considered to be serious non-life threatening injuries. The investigation is still ongoing at this time, and it is believed that that the driver was impaired at the time of the collision.

UPDATE / HIGHWAY OPEN - The Trans Canada Highway is now open. Both the eastbound and westbound lanes are once again open to traffic. Thank you for your cooperation.

UPDATE - We have now closed down both the eastbound and westbound lanes of the Trans Canada Highway at the Kin Coulee Dip. Please be advise that all traffic is being re-routed.  Updates to follow.

Be advised there is a motor vehicle collision on the westbound lane of the Trans Canada Highway at the Kin Coulee Dip causing traffic delays and lane closures. The Highway is currently closed at the Trans Canada Highway at College Ave. Please avoid the area while the investigation continue.

Be advised there is a motor vehicle collision at the intersection of Carry Dr and Dunmore causing traffic delays and lane closures.  Please avoid the area while crews are working on scene. 

Be advised there is a three vehicle collision at the intersection of Southview Drive and Dunmore Road.  Traffic is tied up in all directions while emergency crews attend to the scene.  Please avoid the area. 

Update.

The intersection has been cleared and normal traffic flow has resumed.  Thanks for your patience. 

Please be advised there is a motor vehicle collision at the intersection of 10 St SW and 25 St SW.  A vehicle struck a pole and started a grass fire.  Emergency crews are on scene.  Avoid the area. 

Crews will be working on the power lines in the area until approx. 7:00 pm.  Barricades have been set up to ensure the workers safety.