Take these steps to protect yourself and your bikes from being stolen.
Plenty of people in Denver use a bike as their main mode of transport, so it's surprising that it's part of the reason Colorado is known for being so physically fit.
Along with all the good stuff that comes from riding bikes (i.e., physical fitness, less pollution, less consumption of resources, etc.), there is a negative side effect; bike thefts. Bikes are easy to steal, and in many cases, are used as the very means to get away from the site of the crime. Thefts happen all day and night in all areas of the metro area.
Recovery of stolen bikes can be particularly challenging due to the fact they're easy to steal, easy to pass on, and easy to conceal if need be. If a bike is registered, it has a better chance of being found if it turns up at a pawn shop; however, with so many online marketplaces and other ways to sell items, there are pretty slim chances of recovery a stolen bike.
This is a growing problem in the metro area, and the Denver Police Department (DPD) gets multiple bicycle theft reports almost daily.
DPD says they have seen an increase of bike thefts this year—at least an 18 percent increase from 2019—which may be due to an increased interest in bike riding during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bike theft is often a crime of opportunity, and with more people riding and storing bikes, there's more opportunity. A common trick is for thieves to check out a neighborhood while riding an older throwaway bike, look for the right moment, then make off with a bike while leaving the burner bike behind.
Courtesy of Photorama via Pixabay
Here are some ways you can keep your bike from being stolen:
- If possible, store bikes inside a locked structure. If locking up outside, secure the bike to a solid structure that cannot be moved.
- If securing a bike outside, use a quality lock such as a U-lock, and make sure to lock up the frame and front wheel. Reminder, cable locks are easily cut!
- Place owner-specific details somewhere on the bike—this can mean a business card in the seat or handlebars, or even a special sticker or mark etched on the bike.
- Register your bike. Most local police departments will keep a database.
- Bike Index is a free national database run by a nonprofit that has aided in the recovery of stolen bikes nationwide. Denver Stolen Bikes is a Facebook page dedicated to finding stolen bikes.
- Keep a picture of your bike, as well as the serial number and any specific information, so that you can refer to it later if need be.
- Make sure garage and shed door locks are functional.
- Do not leave the garage open an unattended; this goes for a backyard gate and a shed door, etc.
Biking is a mode of transportation, a recreational activity, and a way of life for some. It's unfortunate that this peaceful activity also comes with the risk of theft, however, paying attention and taking steps to prevent theft can make all the difference.
Where is your favorite spot to bike in the Denver metropolitan area? Share your favorite trails and biking advice int the comments.
