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Stolen race bikes turned up on Facebook Marketplace in Montreal: lessons for Canadian bike owners
Two custom race bikes worth about $27,000 each were stolen from a Montreal hotel parking garage on Monday, September 14, 2026, days before the UCI Road World Championships, and were offered for sale on Facebook Marketplace. Montreal police (SPVM) arrested two men, aged 41 and 45, and recovered at least one bike. For any stolen bike in Canada: have the serial ready, report the theft the same day, and check resale listings from the first hours.
What happened in Montreal
The bikes belonged to an Italian racing team in town for the UCI Road World Championships, which opened in Montreal on Sunday, September 20. According to CityNews Montreal, the theft was reported on September 14 and police say the suspects listed the bikes on Facebook Marketplace. More than 1,000 riders from 100 nations were expected.
The Montreal Gazette, quoting SPVM spokesperson Jean-Pierre Brabant, reported that investigators recovered one bike after it was offered on Facebook Marketplace and were still searching for the second on September 18. CityNews reported both bikes recovered.
| Date (2026) | Event |
|---|---|
| Mon, Sept 14 | Two race bikes, about $27,000 each, stolen from a hotel parking garage |
| After the theft | Bikes listed on Facebook Marketplace; police recover at least one |
| By Sept 18 | Two men, 41 and 45, arrested; the Montreal Gazette lists charges of breaking and entering, trafficking in stolen property and possession of property obtained by crime |
| Sun, Sept 20 | UCI Road World Championships begin in Montreal |
Charges are allegations and have not been proven in court.
How fast stolen bikes reach Marketplace
Resale boards are where a stolen bike turns into cash. In Montreal the whole cycle fit inside four days: theft on September 14, a Marketplace listing, then arrests and at least one recovery reported by September 18. A public listing is also where police and owners can spot the bike. In a September 14 news release, the Sunshine Coast RCMP in Sechelt, BC described how officers on patrol seized an e-bike they believed was stolen; moments later a break-and-enter report came in, officers determined the bike belonged to the victim, and it was returned to him. The RCMP urged residents to record serial numbers, which "can greatly assist police in identifying recovered bicycles".
Four steps for any Canadian bike owner, starting today
- Record the frame serial now. It is usually stamped under the bottom bracket. Photograph it with the whole bike; our page for cyclists shows where to look.
- Report the theft the same day. Our stolen bike guide lists online reporting by city. In Montreal, the SPVM online report accepts bicycle theft for bikes worth less than $10,000 when you did not see or know the suspect, there were no witnesses or cameras and no evidence was left at the scene; the SPVM states that online reports are not investigated.
- Post a public notice within hours. A notice on the FoundWall board is searchable by neighbours and by anyone checking a used bike.
- Check resale listings daily and let police handle the meeting. Screenshot any listing that looks like yours and send it to the officer on your file. The SPVM runs 20 safe trading zones under 24/7 video surveillance for online sales.
Where FoundWall fits, and what is still being built
FoundWall is a free Canadian board for lost, stolen and found items, with no paid tier today. Posting, searching and messaging are live. The resale watch, planned to compare public resale listings such as Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace with your notice, is what we are building next; until it ships, the daily check is yours. A notice filed now is the record the watch will use.
Questions owners are asking
Do stolen bikes end up on Facebook Marketplace?
Yes. In Montreal in September 2026, police said stolen race bikes were offered on Facebook Marketplace and recovered at least one after the listing appeared.
What should I do if I see my stolen bike for sale online?
Save the link and screenshots, then call the police non-emergency line with your report number and frame serial. Police arrange the recovery.
Can I report a stolen bike online in Montreal?
Yes, if the bike is worth less than $10,000, you did not see or know the suspect, and there were no witnesses or cameras. The SPVM notes that online reports are not investigated.
Is FoundWall free?
Yes. Posting, searching and messaging are free, with no paid tier today.