Stop Bike Theft

BIKE THEFT IS ON THE RISE

Unfortunately, some people will resort to stealing bikes for one reason or another.  Compounded by the recent bad economic times, bike theft is on the rise.  This year, we at Wheelies, have received an increase in calls from customers and friends about stolen bikes. The FBI estimates that nationally approximately 1,000,000 bicycle are stolen each year with a large number never being reported. There are a number of common sense steps you can take to prevent your bike from being stolen and help retrieve it quicker if it is stolen.

Bike theft can merely be a quick means of short destination transportation with the stolen bike eventually being ditched in the woods, lake or wherever. Then there are the serious thieves who strip the bike for parts or quick pawn sales.  Either way, you are at a loss and feeling victimized. Check out the easy ideas mentioned below or go online to find a number of sites with great tips and suggestions.

Tips on how to prevent a bike theft

1)  Always lock your bike up!  Use a U-lock or heavy cable lock to secure your  bike to a permanent object like a bike rack, tree, or street pole.  Keep your bike inside or away from view. (out of sight - out of mind) If you must lock your bike in a viewable location, make sure it is in a well light

 

2) Register your bike with your local police department. If your local police does not offer registration for a small fee you can register you bike with the National Bike Registry at http://www.nationalbikeregistry.com/

3) Take a photo of your bike and copy the serial number from the frame of your bike. This is usually on the tube on the bottom of your bike between the pedal and crank assembly. Keep this information along with any original paperwork on your bike in a safe and secure place.

4)  Engrave your name, address or some kind of unique branding on the bike that only you would know where and what it is. This helps for a better positive ID once it is found.

 

The Annual Medford Lakes Bike inspection was kicked off at Nokomis School. Wheelies did the bicycle and helmet inspection and Sargeant Darren Dogostino of the Medford Lakes Police handled registration.  Sgt. Dogostino and Larry MacDonald of Wheelies are pictured with student Jason O”Neill. 

 

 Tips to finding your bike if it is stolen

    • Find any old paperwork or photos on your bike that will help ID it
    • Contact and report the theft to your local police and check to see if it showed up at police stations in your surrounding communities
    • Register your stolen bike at Stolenbicycleregistry.comhttp://www.stolenbicycleregistry.com/index.php
    • Let everybody know your bike was stolen and have them keep an eye out for it, including Wheelies and any local bike shops
    • Check periodically if someone is trying to sell your bike on ebay, craigslists, the newspaper classifies and pawn shops
    • There are a number of other measures that you should consider, check the internet for additional tips to prevent bike theft and
                                                 put a lock on prevention!