Bicycle thefts are on the rise as days get longer, say Nanaimo RCMP, who offered a few tips to keep bikes safe.
Rule number one? Always lock your bike.
“And don’t cheap out on a $5 lock,” police said in a statement. “Cheap locks are easily defeated and offer little to no protection. Do some research or better yet, drop into a local bike store and seek out advice on what you need and what you can afford.”
Here are more tips from police to keep your bike from being stolen:
• Don’t just lock a wheel. The frame should always be secured to an immovable object.
• Don’t leave your bike out overnight, even it’s locked, because darkness gives thieves time to find a way to steal it.
• The same thing goes for leaving a locked bike in an isolated area — leave it somewhere where there is lots of foot traffic.
• Take any valuable items like lights with you when you leave your bike.
• Take the battery with you if you are leaving your e-bike.
• Register your bike at project529.com, which is free and can help get a stolen bike back.
