As the weather warms up and commuters take to two wheels, police in Adelaide's central business district are reminding bicycle owners to secure their bike with appropriate locks.
Over the past six months an average of 11 bikes a week were reported stolen in Adelaide's Eastern District, which covers the CBD.
"We have been looking closely at this problem over recent weeks," the District's operations manager Chief Inspector Matt Nairn, said.
"As more people decide to dust off their bicycles in the warmer weather, there is an even greater need for owners to protect their property from opportunistic thieves.
"Whatever the value of your bike, it is worth paying for a quality lock to protect it – that means a D or U-style lock that can't be cut by a pair of easily concealed bolt cutters."
Chief Inspector Nairn said analysis of the theft reports indicated that university students were commonly impacted by this crime.
"Our crime prevention teams work closely with the universities to evaluate hot spots, do bicycle engraving, and owner education, but we also know that the right lock is the first step in protecting this property," he said.
Of the 297 bikes reported stolen from the Adelaide CBD between 1 April and 30 September, 18 were unsecured and 156 were secured with a lock or chain to a bike rack or other fixture.
Hot spots
North Terrace – 43
Grenfell Street - 16
Frome Road – 14
Rundle Mall – 14
Hindley Street – 14
Most commonly targeted (Day/Time):
Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays
Afternoons
To reduce your chances of becoming a victim of bike theft, please consider the following crime prevention security tips:
* Consider using a strong U or D-style lock to secure your bike – other styles can be easily cut.
* Engrave or mark your bike frame (near the serial number) with an ultraviolet (UV) pen, microdot or by other permanent means with your driver's licence number prefixed by the letter 'S' for South Australia, e.g. S123456 – police know that marking your property can act as a deterrence, and can make it easier to return stolen property.
* Mark all your accessories, including helmet, lights, pump, saddle, etc.
* Take a photograph of your bike.
* Complete the Bike Passport (which can be found on the SA Police website HERE) and keep it in a safe place.
* Purchase and fit a good quality bike lock. Your bike dealer may be able to assist you in choosing a lock.
* Always park and secure your bike in well-lit and populated areas.
* Always lock the bike frame and both wheels to a secure object.
* When securing your bike, remove equipment including helmet, lights, pump, etc.
* When at home, secure your bike in a locked shed or inside your house.
Anyone with information about stolen bicycles is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at https://crimestopperssa.com.au/
If you notice anyone acting suspiciously around bicycle racks, call police on 131 444.
