How to Reclaim a Stolen Bike from the City of Winnipeg Bike Auction

Act Fast Before the Auction Starts

It’s the ultimate “needle in a haystack” moment. You’re scrolling through the Winnipeg Police bike auction listings—maybe looking for a replacement for your stolen ride—and suddenly, there it is. Your bike. The one with the specific scuff on the handlebars or that upgraded seat you installed yourself.. The next big Winnipeg Police bike auction is coming up fast, with the bidding “break” function set for April 30 – May 7, 2026.

If you’ve spotted your wheels in that lineup, you need to move now. You really want to have your claim filed and the bike removed from the site before April 30. Once the auction officially kicks off, it’s a lot harder to pull the emergency brake on the process.

Here’s the community game plan to get your ride back home before the bidding starts.

1. Identify Your Bike’s “Lot Number”

Don’t just rely on a fuzzy photo. When you find your bike on the Associated Auto Auction site, write down the Lot Number. This is the only way the police can track it down in the sea of hundreds of other bikes. Take a screenshot for your own records, too.

Get Your Proof Ready

2. Get Your Paperwork Together

The police won’t just take your word for it—they need to be 100% sure you’re the rightful owner.

The Police Report:
If you haven’t filed a report yet, do it on the WPS website immediately. You need that file number.

The Proof:
Dig up your serial number if you have it. If not, find photos of the bike, receipts for parts, or even just describe that weird squeak in the left pedal or the specific stickers on the frame.

3. Contact Evidence Control BEFORE April 30

This is the most important step. Do not wait until the bidding starts on the 30th. Call the WPS Evidence Control Unit at 204-986-6280.

They are generally around until 4:00 PM Monday through Thursday, but remember they close early at 1:00 PM on Fridays (so don’t leave it until the last minute before the weekend!). Give them your police report number and the auction lot number. They’re the ones who can “arrest” your bike from the auction list and set it aside for you to pick up.

Extra Tips to Protect Your Bike Next Time

A Few Neighborly Tips

The Handlebar Trick:
For your next bike, roll up a piece of paper with your name and number and shove it inside your handlebars. It’s the easiest way to prove a bike is yours if the serial number has been messed with.

Register with 529 Garage:
Seriously, it takes five minutes and the Winnipeg Police actually check it. It’s the best way to make sure they call you before your bike ever hits an auction site.

Don’t forget The WRENCH:
If you don’t see your bike at the auction, it’s worth checking in with the folks at The WRENCH. They handle a lot of recovered bikes that don’t make it to the police warehouse.

It’s a huge hassle, but don’t let someone else ride off on your bike just because of a deadline. Get those claims in before the 30th!

Check the Bike Auction