We received the advisory below from LAPD Pacific a few weeks ago. Heading towards July 4, it’s time for a reminder!
Advisory: Prevent your bicycle from being stolen. Follow these tips.
It seems that in the last few years bicycle riding has gained in popularity. Along with this increase there has also been an increase in bicycle technology and prices. Many road racing bicycles can easily breach $7000 and your simple beach cruiser can be equipped with a battery powered self propulsion system, that costs $2500. Bicycle thieves have noticed this increase too, and today there are more targets for thieves than ever before.
In many of the reports we receive for stolen bicycles, owners do not know the key identifying features of their bikes. Without this information it makes it difficult to identify stolen bicycles and return them to their proper owner. The most important thing a bicycle owner can do to assist police, is to record their bicycle make, model, and SERIAL NUMBER. This can be done by writing it down or taking a photo and storing it in a safe place.
Tips to prevent your bike from being stolen.
1. At home always lock your bike out of the view of the public (not in driveways or on balconies).
2. Never leave your bike unattended.
3. Always lock your bicycle when it is not in your physical control.
4. Lock your bicycle in a location that you can observe (underground parking garages are not safe).
5. Use multiple locks when possible.
6. Don’t leave your bike locked over night in a public location.
Although bicycle locks will deter some criminals, we have learned that many thieves are using battery powered tools that can defeat any bike lock in less than 5 seconds to steal your bike. This means that you should never let your bicycle out of your sight even when locked.
Last week a citizen reported his bicycle stolen and he was able to provide pictures of his bicycle, the serial number, and receipts for the aftermarket items he placed on the bike. Because he was able to provide this detailed information LAPD Pacific Division Detectives were able to identify his bicycle on Craigslist, arrest the thief, and return the bike to the owner.
For more information on how to protect your property please follow us on Facebook at:
https://www.facebook.com/
In many of the reports we receive for stolen bicycles, owners do not know the key identifying features of their bikes. Without this information it makes it difficult to identify stolen bicycles and return them to their proper owner. The most important thing a bicycle owner can do to assist police, is to record their bicycle make, model, and SERIAL NUMBER. This can be done by writing it down or taking a photo and storing it in a safe place.
Tips to prevent your bike from being stolen.
1. At home always lock your bike out of the view of the public (not in driveways or on balconies).
2. Never leave your bike unattended.
3. Always lock your bicycle when it is not in your physical control.
4. Lock your bicycle in a location that you can observe (underground parking garages are not safe).
5. Use multiple locks when possible.
6. Don’t leave your bike locked over night in a public location.
Although bicycle locks will deter some criminals, we have learned that many thieves are using battery powered tools that can defeat any bike lock in less than 5 seconds to steal your bike. This means that you should never let your bicycle out of your sight even when locked.
Last week a citizen reported his bicycle stolen and he was able to provide pictures of his bicycle, the serial number, and receipts for the aftermarket items he placed on the bike. Because he was able to provide this detailed information LAPD Pacific Division Detectives were able to identify his bicycle on Craigslist, arrest the thief, and return the bike to the owner.
For more information on how to protect your property please follow us on Facebook at:
https://www.facebook.com/
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