Over the last year, bicycles have turned into an increasingly precious item. In both big cities and smaller towns, bike thieves have become highly skilled and organized, making bicycle theft a serious problem. Sadly, bike theft is one of the least investigated crimes.
Understanding where and how bike thefts occur will make you a more vigilant cyclist and hopefully help keep your bike safe for the foreseeable future.
One common scenario involves leaving your bike in an accessible spot. What makes theft so easy? Battery-powered tools are the key. No lock is completely safe from a battery-powered grinder with a diamond blade. These blades can cut through even the strongest cable locks, and chain locks don't fare much better. Some thieves even use impact guns designed to drive nails into concrete; with one powerful blast, the lock breaks apart!
Most experienced thieves look for areas with plenty of potential targets. As soon as you leave your bike unattended, it becomes a target. Thieves don't care about location, so there's no truly "safe" place to leave your bike. Many people are surprised to find out that some of their regular stops, like supermarkets, gyms, train stations, libraries, workplaces, restaurants, hotels, schools, and hospitals, are actually hotspots for bike theft. No one but the bike owner cares about preventing theft, and in some cities, even the police aren't interested.
While there's no foolproof way to stop bike theft, you can reduce the risk by using multiple high-quality locks. In a recent study comparing lock strengths, it was discovered that Abus locks were significantly heavier than competitors of the same type and style. The weight of a lock indicates its metal density, which correlates with strength. In an essay titled "Confessions of a Bike Thief," the author mentioned passing up bikes secured by Abus locks to target ones with weaker locks.
Another common scenario involves leaving your bike on a car rack or in the bed of a truck. Many thefts happen when cyclists leave their bikes unattended for just a few minutes at a grocery store or overnight at a hotel. Criminals often target high-value bikes at gas stations, convenience stores, and fast-food restaurants. Some thieves are so sneaky that they manage to steal bikes right in front of people! Recently, a group of bike thieves in Denver was spotted staking out a major sporting goods store's parking lot. Before anyone noticed, several bikes were stolen from car racks. The thieves were never caught.
If you're planning to leave your bike on a car rack or in your truck bed, make sure to secure it with a heavy-duty chain. Even if your rack has a built-in cable lock, it's wise to double up with a strong lock. Always park your vehicle in a spot visible from inside the store or restaurant.
Surprisingly, more bikes are stolen from garages than anywhere else. Even a closed garage door isn't a deterrent for a skilled thief. Modern garage door openers use rolling codes, but older models can be easily hacked. Without hacking technology, thieves can pry open the top of the garage door enough to grab the emergency release cord.
If you can't remember the last time you used the emergency cord, there's a good chance you don't need it attached to the emergency lever. When the garage door is closed, the cord is only eight inches behind it. Some thieves go as far as using a hole saw to access the cord. For extra security, consider zip-tying the emergency lever so it can't be operated. These precautions might seem extreme, but they could save you from losing your bike.
If you store your bikes in a garage, especially if you have kids who might forget to keep the door closed, it's smart to lock them to something sturdy with a heavy chain and lock. If nothing is available to secure your bike, think about installing a floor anchor in your garage.
Many condo and apartment complexes don't allow bikes inside apartments, requiring them to be stored in locked bicycle cages in the parking garage. This open visibility provides valuable information to potential thieves. Since many residents have access to the cage, it's essential to treat it as if it doesn't exist. To avoid theft, secure your bike inside the cage to an immovable object like a pillar or pipe. Use the heaviest chain and lock possible and never rely on a cable lock. If there are no security cameras around the cage, consider suggesting to the complex management to install one.
If you live on the first or second floor and store your bike on a balcony, reconsider. If you must, invest in heavy-duty security. Bikes left unlocked on a building balcony are an easy target for thieves with a pickup truck and a ladder. Surprisingly, a 10-foot ladder can easily access a second-floor balcony, and a truck-mounted ladder can reach the third floor. This makes bikes on lower-level balconies more vulnerable.
Bicycles left in a backyard, even if hidden from the street, are also at risk. Eventually, they'll be discovered and stolen. If you store your bike in a shed, either lock it to the shed or ensure the shed is always securely locked.
Bicycle commuters face another risk. Leaving a bike outside during working hours, especially after sunset, increases the likelihood of theft. A heavy chain and lock can mean the difference between riding home or taking public transport.
Be mindful of local laws. In some cities, locking your bike to certain structures can violate city codes, allowing the city to impound your bike. Always check city ordinances regarding the use of utility poles, signposts, and parking meters.
In addition to full bike theft, parts like batteries, racks, lights, wheels, and seats are also targeted. To protect your accessories, consider using unique fasteners that require specific tools to remove.
GPS and cellular technology offer new ways to track stolen bikes, but they come with limitations. They rely on cell phone connectivity and have short battery lives. Apple's AirTag is a useful gadget for locating lost items. While it wasn't designed for tracking bikes, it could be a practical option due to its long battery life. However, it requires Bluetooth connectivity, making it most effective in urban areas.
If your bike is stolen, report it to the police and provide evidence of ownership, such as hidden marks within the frame or handlebars. Photos and receipts can help recover your bike.
Finally, consider insuring your bike. In many areas, police prioritize other crimes over bike theft. A comprehensive insurance policy can reimburse you for the full insured amount without depreciation. Registering your bike with organizations like Bike Index can also aid in recovery efforts.
Remember, vigilance and preparation are key to keeping your bike safe.
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