Prince George RCMP are warning cyclist to be on the alert after a spike in bike thefts early this year.
Police have already recorded 50 thefts this year. That's compared to the 250 thefts reported for all of 2015
"Police also believe that bicycle theft could be prevented and that more bikes would be recovered and returned if owners took some simple steps to protect their property," Wednesday's release said.
Here are their tips that could keep your bike off that stolen list:
Tips for when you purchase your bike:
Record your serial number along with the make & model of the bike. Store this information somewhere it won't be stolen. Do not solely store it in a computer that may also be targeted for theft;
In most cases, you can find your serial number on the bottom of your bike where the pedals come together. If you are having trouble locating it, drop by the shop where you bought the bike and they will help you;
Take pictures of your whole bike, you with the bike and any parts that are unique to your bike. This will verify the bike belongs to you and will help officers identify it as yours;
Save your receipt. If your bike is stolen, you will likely be eligible for a claim under your house insurance;
Engrave your driver's licence number onto the frame and other parts of your bike. This gives officers a direct route to you as the owner. Officers can check the number on police computers and obtain your information. They can then call you and inquire whether the person in possession of the bike has permission or not.
Locking and storing your bike is important too. It only takes a few seconds to hop on a bike and ride away. Why give someone the chance to ride off with yours? Taking the extra few seconds to properly secure your bike will likely ensure you keep it longer. Many cases of, "I just left my bike there for a minute", are reported every year.
Tips for locking your bike:
Lock the bike to bike racks provided or to solid metal objects only. Do not lock to a chain link fence, any vegetation, anything wooden, or anything that can be easily broken/cut;
Shake the bike rack, pole, or fixture to ensure that it is secured to the ground;
Use more than one style of good quality lock on your bike rack. Criminals usually only carry one type of tool and may be deterred from stealing your bike the more difficult you make it to steal. Heavy-duty U-locks, heavy-gauge chains, or handcuff-style locks are preferred, as they are very difficult to breach;
Fill the bike lock as much as possible and angle the lock downward. This helps prevent your bike from being stolen, as it makes it difficult to cut or defeat your lock;
Lock wheels, frame and rack all together. Lock your removable front wheel to the back. Thieves will take anything that they can profit from including parts;
Only lock your bike in a well-lit, well-traveled area. By doing this, thieves will likely move to another bike that will draw less attention;
If possible, lock your bike indoors;
When at the bike rack watch for suspicious activity and if you see suspicious or unusual activity, call police immediately;
Avoid using quick-release skewers on wheels and saddles. Replace existing quick-releases with bolts or locking skewers;
If a rack is available, use it, and if there is not enough bike parking, talk to the business owner or contact the city to request additional racks.
Although we all want to believe that our property is safer at home, thieves are often desperate and do brazen things to profit at your expense.
Tips for when you are at home:
Lock securely to non-moveable metal fixtures if storing your bikes in a garage or shed;
Do not store your bike outside in the yard or in a common space;
Check to see whether bike theft is covered in your home owner's or renter's insurance policy;
If you live in an apartment where space is limited, ask your landlord to provide a secure bike room. If there is one then use it, but still securely your bike.
Bicycle Retailers
A new bike owner is excited and wants to ride. More often than not, they forget to record the serial number. Police are reaching out to bicycle retailers in Prince George to ask them to record serial numbers on behalf of new bike owners and keep them on file. This will allow victims to contact the business and acquire their serial number . once they realize they were too excited to write it down.
