Clare Gardaí are urging the public to take proactive and simple measures to ensure their bicycles remain safe from theft.
People are reminded that they should spend at least 10% – 20% of the value of their bike on a good lock , as thieves will target what they deem to be ‘ineffective security’.
Children and young adults are also being advised to note the make and frame number of your bicycle and take a picture of it this to assist the Gardaí in returning recovered bikes to their owners.
Killaloe Garda, Eimear McDonagh from the Clare Crime Prevention Unit has the following advice.
“Take a note of the model, make and frame number of your bicycle and take a picture of it – this assists the Gardaí in returning recovered bikes to their owners.
More than half of all bicycle thefts occur on the owner’s property. Remember to always secure your bicycle – indoors in a locked shed.
Locks – you should be spending at least 10% to 20% of the value of your bike on locks. A thief will target a cheaper lock as it will be a lot easier to force open.
Don’t leave the lock close to the ground as this creates an opportunity to smash the lock open. Make sure that whatever you lock your bike to cannot be moved or lifted like some poles can be and secure it in a well-lit area.
Use a U-lock to lock the front wheel to the bike frame.
If you are buying a second hand bike, look for proof of ownership before purchasing. v If you have had a bike stolen you can check www.garda.ie or the Garda Flickr account to see if your bike is among those that has been recovered.”
