Earlier this year, I was out biking on a beautiful day and my bike just stopped. It wouldn't start no matter how many times I tried. After a few frustrating minutes, I realized that my bike had been stolen. This post is about my experience and how it related to bike theft in general.

Bike theft

Bikes are one of the most commonly stolen items in the world. In fact, according to The National Bike Registry, an estimated 1.5 million bicycles are stolen each year in the United States alone. That's a lot of bikes!

One reason why bicycles are so popular among thieves is that they're easy to steal and transport. All you need is a bike rack or someplace to secure your bike, and you're good to go.

Another reason why bikes are so popular among thieves is that they're often locked up with nothing but a key, making it difficult for law enforcement to track down the thief(s).

If you've ever had your bike stolen, don't worry - there are things you can do to make it less likely that your bike will be taken. 

Here are four tips:

  • Always lock your bike when you aren't using it. This will deter would-be thieves from even trying to steal it in the first place.
  • Use a quality U-lock instead of a cheap cable lock. A U-lock is more difficult for someone to break into and can also help protect your frame if your bike gets stolen while locked up at a public park or elsewhere.
  • Make sure your bicycle is properly secured at all times - use both a cable lock and padlock if necessary. Not only will this make theft more difficult, but it'll also help prevent vandalism (i.e., someone writing "F*** You" on your frame).
  • Report any suspicious behavior - whether someone is loitering around near your bike or trying to sell you an illegal copy of yours online."

The process of bicycle theft

Bicycle theft is a problem that affects cyclists and non-cyclists alike. In general, bicycles are easy to steal and difficult to track down. Thieves will take any opportunity they can find to steal a bike, whether it's during the daytime or at night. 

There are several steps thieves take when stealing a bike:

  • The thief will look for an unlocked bike. Often, this is the first step because bikes that have been locked up often contain valuable properties like GPS systems or expensive components.
  • If the bike is locked up, the thief may use tools like bolt cutters or a crowbar to break into the lock.
  • Once inside, the thief will search for anything of value (like wallets and phones). They may also remove any equipment that isn't useful to them (like lights or bells).
  • Finally, they'll ride away on the stolen bike

Tips to avoid being a victim of bicycle theft

If you're like most people, you love your bike. After all, it's a vehicle that transports you around town and to work or school. And if someone happens to steal it from you, that person has taken away not just a piece of equipment, but also your freedom.

Here are some tips to help avoid becoming a victim of bicycle theft:

Lock your bike up when you're not using it. This will make it more difficult for thieves to take the bike without fighting for it.

  • Make sure the locks are strong enough to deter theft (most bikes come with basic lock options).
  • Use a cable lock when locking your bike at an outdoor park or in an area where there are many other bicycles nearby. 
  • Register your bike with the police if it's been stolen (this will help them recover any evidence).
  • Don't leave valuable items on your bike - they'll only tempt thieves and increase the chances of getting robbed.

Things you can do if your bike is stolen

If your bike is stolen, the first thing you should do is call the police. Then, take down as much information about your bike as possible. This includes the make, model, and serial number of the bike; any identifying features, like a sticker or frame gear; and photos if possible.

Next, secure your bike by locking it in something sturdy (like a post or railing) and taking note of the location where it was locked. If you can't find your bike right away, try posting flyers in nearby areas with updated information about your missing bike.

If you're able to get hold of your bicycle after it's been stolen, be sure to disconnect all of the wirings from the battery. This will prevent someone from using your bike without knowing how to start it up. Finally, never ride an unsecured bicycle -- even if you think it's safe to do so!

Bicycle theft is on the rise, and it’s not just happening in big cities anymore. In fact, bike theft is increasing in small towns and rural areas across the United States. So what’s driving this increase? 

The answer is simple: there are more people riding bikes and they’re choosing to do so in less-secure environments. To combat this trend, here are some tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of bicycle theft. And if your bike does get stolen, don’t worry—there are things you can do to recover it.