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Crime Prevention Message – Bike Theft and Security

On this month’s Crimecall, Sergeant John Fitzpatrick was in studio and provided Crime Prevention information in relation to Bike Theft and Security.

Theft of bicycles incidents decreased by nearly 700 in 2024 compared to 2023, with less than 4,000 incidents reported. The 2025 YTD figures are down so far on last year. However, bicycle theft incidents are influenced by season with the summer months showing an increased level of reporting, which remains elevated until the onset of the winter months.

  • - Unauthorised Taking / Theft of Pedal Cycles incidents occur most frequently during daytime hours (12pm – 10pm).
  • - Nearly 27% of incidents reported occurred between 3pm and 6pm.
  • - Between 2022 and 2024 an average of 4,400 bikes were reported stolen per year.

Locking your bike:

There are a number of different types of locks available that you can use. When choosing a lock you should consider the following:

  • How much your bicycle is worth
  • Where you will leave it
  • How long it will be left unattended and the strength and weight of the lock.

It is recommended that you spend at least 10% the value of your bicycle on a lock. Always check the security ratings of lock products.

Most bicycles are locked using the following means:

  • D locks / U locks – are rigid steel locks in a D or a U shape. They are generally heavy and strong, though the strength can vary and is normally reflected in the price.
  • Cable locks – are flexible and can be used in many situations. Cables, of course, can vary significantly in both weight and strength.
  • Chains and Padlocks – will also vary in both weight and strength. Good quality hardened chains and padlocks can offer good security.
  • Click locks – are not very common. They are generally fixed to the frame over the rear wheel, under and close to your seat. They lock your wheel to the frame, thereby stopping someone from simply riding away.  

General bicycle security advice:

Some simple but effective bicycle theft prevention advice is outlined as follows:

  • Always lock your bike, even if you are leaving it for a brief moment.
  • Lock your bike to an immovable object e.g. Bike stand, a lamppost or metal railing.
  • Lock your frame and wheels if at all possible.
  • Where bicycles parks are available, use them.
  • Take all accessories and easily removable objects with you.
  • Do not leave / park your bike in isolated, dark or dimly lit places.
  • Try not to leave / lock your bike in the same place every day.

All these items act as a deterrent and can make your vehicle less attractive to a thief.

In addition, make sure to keep up to date information about you bicycle:

  • Take at least one distinguishing coloured photograph of your bicycle.
  • Keep a written record of the make, model, and frame number of the bike and any unique features that the bike may have e.g. extra fittings, attachments, markings etc. Remember to update the record as the bike gets older – it is unlikely that it will still be in pristine condition and will more likely have some dents and scratches. Consider storing this information on the Garda Property App.

Garda Property App:

This is a free app developed by An Garda Síochána to allow you to record and index your property, e.g bicycles, laptops, etc.

It will give you the facility to record the unique information associated with your property. Should your items be stolen, the app also provides a way of reporting this to An Garda Síochána and gives you the option to share information with us for this purpose.

You can record the make, model, serial number, colour, etc. relating to your property in addition to any unique features on equipment / property. You can also save photographs of your property.

In addition to the above information, you should consider marking your property with a uniquely identifiable number / brand in both obvious and secret locations and upload this data to the property app.

Your data will remain private until you wish to share it with An Garda Síochána. The app is available to download for free from the Apple Store and Android Play.

https://www.garda.ie/en/angardasiochanaapp/