Spring is here. More people are out cycling, and that means bike thefts are likely to surge. There were 1010 bicycles reported stolen in 2013, 848 bicycles reported stolen in 2012 and 846 reported stolen in 2011. A total of 65 bikes were recovered last year, which translates to approximately one out of fifteen that was stolen.
If you’d like to keep your bike from being stolen, consider the following measures:
1. Follow the lead of over 5,000 fellow Eugeneans and register your bicycle with Eugene Police on line at www.eugenepolice.com . Select “prevention and safety,” then select “bicycle safety/theft prevention.” An online form will lead you through a thorough description of your bike. Within a few days of filling out the form, you will receive a sticker in the mail to adhere to your bike to further establish ownership. Once your bike is registered, if your bike is stolen, when you call us we will already have your bike’s description and the information needed for a detailed report. The odds of getting your bike back will go up considerably.
2. Lock your bike with a substantial lock – a U-bolt style is best. No lock is foolproof, but a high-end lock is more likely to deter thieves. Bikes have frequently been stolen from inside garages, storage sheds and apartments, so make sure those locations are well secured, as well. Many bike owners invest a lot of money in nice bikes, and then hold back when it comes to the lock. Big mistake!
3. If you are a UO student, register your bike with Parking and Transportation at 1401 Walnut Street, Eugene, tel. (541) 346-5444 tel. (541) 346-2919. One prudent approach to consider: buy a cheap bike and an expensive lock!
For more information, contact Eugene Police Crime Prevention at 541-682-5137.