The smashed window at Bow Cycle’s Bowness location wasn’t just another break-in statistic for Calgary. It represented something deeper – how our community responds when one of our own gets knocked down.
I’ve covered dozens of similar incidents across the city during my years reporting here, but what happened after this particular break-in last weekend reveals the resilient spirit that defines Calgary, especially in tough times.
When thieves shattered the glass and made off with $50,000 worth of high-end mountain bikes early Saturday morning, owner Kevin Senior faced a familiar scenario playing out too often across our city. “It’s violating and it’s frustrating,” he told me when I visited the shop Monday.
The numbers tell a troubling story. Commercial break-ins have jumped dramatically, with Calgary Police Service data showing a 57% increase in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period last year. That’s more than statistics – it’s real people and neighborhood businesses bearing the brunt.
But what happened next shows why I remain optimistic about our city despite these challenges.
Within hours of posting about the incident on social media, customers and fellow business owners began showing up. Some brought coffee and donuts for staff. Others offered to help clean up the mess. Many simply came to shop, understanding that continued business was the most meaningful support they could provide.
“We had one of our busiest days of the season on Sunday,” Senior explained, gesturing toward the temporarily boarded-up window now covered with supportive messages from customers. “People deliberately came out to support us after hearing what happened.”
This community response speaks to something I’ve observed repeatedly in my nearly two decades covering Calgary news – our collective resilience in the face of challenges.
Andrew Sennyah, who owns a small coffee shop three blocks away, told me he experienced something similar after a break-in last year. “Calgarians show up for each other. That’s just who we are as a city. When times get tough, we rally around each other.”
The broader context matters too. These incidents don’t happen in isolation. Many local business owners I’ve spoken with point to economic pressures, mental health challenges, and addiction issues as underlying factors driving property crime rates up.
City Councillor Terry Wong, who represents the area, acknowledged these complexities when I contacted him for comment. “We need both immediate security solutions and longer-term approaches addressing root causes,” he said. “In the meantime, seeing the community rally around affected businesses shows the strength of our neighborhoods.”
Police have made addressing commercial break-ins a priority, recently launching a specialized task force targeting repeat offenders. Staff Sergeant Jodi Gach confirmed they’re investigating the Bow Cycle incident, noting that security footage provides solid leads.
For businesses, preventative measures have become an unfortunate necessity. Security consultant Michael Barnes recommends improved lighting, alarm systems that alert to glass breakage, and removing high-value items from display windows overnight – measures that Bow Cycle and many others are now implementing.
The economic impact extends beyond the immediate loss. Insurance premiums climb with each claim. Staff morale suffers. Hours get diverted to dealing with repairs and paperwork instead of serving customers.
Yet through conversations with business owners across the city, I consistently hear determination rather than defeat. Many describe feeling more connected to their communities after experiencing support following these incidents.
“This doesn’t just happen in Calgary,” Senior reminded me as we concluded our interview. “But the way communities respond here – that’s something special about this city.”
He’s right. Having covered similar stories in other markets before settling in Calgary, I’ve noticed how our particular brand of community support carries a distinctly practical, roll-up-your-sleeves quality. We don’t just offer sympathies – we show up with tools, time, and open wallets.
As I left Bow Cycle, I noticed a young family entering the shop. The father explained to his curious daughter that they were there specifically to support a local business that had experienced something unfortunate. That generational passing of community values – teaching children through direct action what it means to be part of a community – gives me hope.
It’s a reminder that while crime statistics matter and policy solutions are necessary, the true measure of our city’s health might be found in these moments of community response. Each act of support represents a choice – to build rather than retreat, to connect rather than isolate.
For all of Calgary’s challenges, that spirit of collective resilience remains our greatest strength. One worth recognizing and nurturing as we navigate whatever comes next.
