The Portage la Prairie RCMP is rolling out a new initiative to help return stolen bikes to their owners.

Cst. James Cameron is heading up the program.

"I'm a new member to the RCMP, arriving in Portage la Prairie in June of this year," says Cst. Cameron. "During my time here, I saw an opportunity in the community to assist in recovering stolen and lost bicycles. RCMP have responded to over 50 calls of theft of bicycles this year alone."

He says you can get your registration card at the detachment and it doesn't take much of your time. The information on the card is entered into a database and they will contact you if your lost bike is found.

"The service is free and could assist in getting you your bicycles returned to you," says Cst. Cameron. "I hope that you take part in it, and we encourage that all members of the community that own bicycles to participate."