RFP Staff
♦ Bicycles are among the most stolen items appearing in Salisbury, N.C. police reports. Its heart breaking for kids who get their bicycles ripped off and it creates major problems for adults who commute to work or who enjoy weekend biking excursions.
How many of us have witnessed bicycles carelessly left unattended and unlocked out in the open or resting on their sides on a lawn ripe for a “grab and go” Salisbury style? So what can bicyclists do to better protect their investment in peddle power? Here’s a list of the basic universals for preventing your bicycle from being stolen:
• The chances of your bicycle getting stolen go way down if it is kept indoors in your house, garage, or in your apartment stairwell. Any bicycle kept out-of-sight is unlikely to be stolen unless you suffer a break-in.
• A quality lock is an important investment especially if you have a high-end bicycle. A key lock or a combination lock–that’s up to you. If you tend to forget combinations, then go with a key arrangement. The tighter the lock is around a pole–the better. Some U-locks create enough open space for a thief to compromise it. Only buy a U-lock with a disk or flat key. These are the most difficult U-locks to pick.
• Never lock your bicycle to an object that can be easily cut, torched through, or removed. Can a thief lift your bicycle up and over the top of a pole? Lock you bicycle to an object. And lock it through your frame and wheel only.
• Never lock your bicycle in an area frequented by bicycle thieves. Like Main Street or either East and West Innes in Salisbury. Or supermarket parking lots, train stations, or in front of pharmacies. These are prime hunting grounds for bicycle thieves. Avoid locking your bike in the same place. A thief may note the pattern and make your bicycle disappear. A secluded area is also bad pick. A bicycle thief might feel more comfortable trying his his luck here.
• Make certain any bike rack or metal pole you use is securely bolted to the ground.
• Keep your lock manufacturers warranty, a photo of your bike, and product replacement agreement.
• Two locks are better than one. Use a heavy duty chain lock as one of your lock choices. Two locks are a visual deterrent too.
• Always secure your bicycle’s quick release components or better yet, take them with you.
• Register your bike’s serial numbers with the National Bike Registry or BikeRegistry.com.
