Getting your bike stolen seems to be an unfortunate right of passage for Vancouverites. But Project 529 is trying to change that.

Originally piloted with the Vancouver Police Department before expanding worldwide and becoming the most successful program to combat bike theft, Project 529 encourages bike owners to register their bikes free of charge in a universal registration system that connects to a mobile app. This database makes it easier for law enforcement to retrieve stolen bikes (and ideally deters thieves altogether).

Created by former Microsoft executive J Allard after his bike was stolen, Project 529 will now be working directly with law enforcement across BC. In a strategic partnership with the BC Ministry of Transportation, Project 529 is providing all police agencies and the RCMP access to the 529 Garage database. This comprehensive registry of bikes enables law enforcement to quickly identify and recover stolen bikes. Additionally, Project 529 is actively collaborating with post-secondary institutions, non-profiting biking organizations, and high-risk areas to implement effective measures to reduce bike theft.

“People all over the province will now have access to this service that can protect their property and keep them riding,” shares Rob Fleming, BC Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, in a release. “Project 529 is building on the great work done by local law enforcement to create a community-driven solution for bike theft.”

Since the pilot project in 2015, Vancouver has seen a 70 per cent decline in bike thefts. You should still invest in a very good lock, though.