Crime watch … How to prevent bike thefts, and why they are increasing

By Charles Sercombe
Getting your bike stolen in Hamtramck is not an uncommon occurrence.
A bike theft shows up in the Hamtramck Police Department’s daily incident reports almost every week – even during the winter.
Bikes are often stolen from front porches or backyards – and occasionally when someone leaves their bike in front of a store while they go in for a minute or two.
This is a crime trend that is happening everywhere, especially in urban areas. In Portland, Oregon, for example, there are about 3,000 bikes stolen each year.
Of course, the population of that city — over 600,000 — dwarfs Hamtramck’s 22,000.
But we digress.
Bike stealing is exploding nationwide.
Why?
Blame it on COVID-19.
According to a recent NPR report, many people are avoiding public transit – and the possibility of getting COVID while travelling that way– in favor of commuting by pedal power.
That has led to a boon in bikes sales and — you guessed it – bike thefts.
To make matters worse, it’s rare that police recover stolen bikes, and when they do, there are usually no licenses on them to track down the owners, or (commonly) there was never a police report made in the first place.
So how can you outfox the bike thieves?
We did a quick search online, and there is no shortage of tips.
One big recommendation is to use a U-shaped bike lock instead of a cable lock, which thieves can easily cut through.
Also, get your bike registered with the police department, and note its serial number.
If possible, keep your bike inside, or at the least in the garage, if you have one.
The folks at www.economical.com also suggested these prevention tips, and we quote:
“Double up your security by using two high-quality locks. U-locks tend to be more durable than thin cable locks, but because of their shape, U-locks limit the amount of bike you can secure at one time, so consider pairing yours with a sturdy steel chain.
“Use your locks to keep your wheels from being stolen, too. If you choose to double your security by using both a U-lock and a steel chain, first thread the U-lock through to the bike frame, the bike rack or other secure structure, and one wheel. Then, loop the cable lock through both the front and back wheel, as well as through the U-lock.
“Make your bike unique. Bikes with personalized elements are easier to identify after they’ve been stolen, so they’re harder for thieves to sell — making them less likely to be stolen than more generic styles. Consider giving your bike a one-of-a-kind paint job, or adding distinctive decals.
“Try out a smart lock. Controlled by your smartphone, a smart lock can alert you when your bike is in motion, and even allow you to track the bike’s location. There are also locks that sound loud alarms or emit smelly gases when tampered with, to stop thieves in their tracks. Consider trying out one of these high-tech devices for added security.
“Always bring your bike inside at night. Most bike thieves prefer to operate when the sun goes down and no one is around to watch. Whenever possible, bring your bike indoors at night — and if you can’t bring it indoors, lock it up in a well-lit area.”
Posted April 9, 2021