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Crime & Safety

10 Ways To Ward Off Bike Bandits

Police recommend taking these actions to keep your bike safe from thieves.

Always locking your bike is the simplest way to prevent bike thieves from liberating your cruiser, said local police.

However, that isn’t always enough to deter derelicts from departing with your ride.

Sepulveda said bike owners should remember these tips while riding through town. 

1) Always lock your bike’s frame and wheels with a high-qualify, modern u-lock that has a disc/flat key. Cylindrical keyed locks are more easily picked.

2) Remove all detachable items like lights, bags, and quick release parts and take them with you. 

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3) Record your bike’s serial number and keep the receipt. Then take a photo of you and your unlocked bike. These will help you identify you as the owner of the bike in the event that it is stolen. 

4) Always lock your bike through the frame and a wheel. Add a second cable, cable lock or second u-lock to secure the second wheel.  An illustration of this method can be seen above these words in the photo box.

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5) Beware of locking your bike to poles that are loosely bolted down and can easily be removed.

6) Avoid locking your bike to private property and store it inside if space is available.

7) Lock your bike, even when keeping it in a garage or on a porch.

8) Learn about the lock manufacturer’s warranty and product replacement policy.

9) Buy the most expensive lock you can afford. U-locks are strong and better ones come with theft warranties. 

10) Last but certainly not least, always lock your bike, even if you are only leaving it for a second. 

 

What do you think of these tips?  Scroll down and tell us in the comments. 

 

Also on Patch: 

  • Update: Coroner Identifies Hwy. 92 Crash Victim
  • Standoff at San Mateo Medical Center Ends in Man's Arrest



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