Please, steal my bike!

It appears that all bikes in Bristol have a sign with a "Please, steal my bike!" written on it. Social networks have recently become a meeting spot for angry victims, who post descriptions of their stolen bikes along with pictures as a desperate act to recover them. Some of them fortunately found their bikes somewhere nearby, others never saw their bikes again.

When I first arrived to Bristol, someone told me I shouldn't buy a bike I couldn't afford to be stolen, because apparently all bikes disappear at some point. An article in Road.cc says "one in five bike owners have their new rides stolen within six months". That's exactly the time my flatmate had his bike: 6 months. After that, Booom!, the bike disappeared. 

Last November, Avon and Somerset police "stole" bikes to show "how easy" is for a thief to get away unchallenged. In fact, 4,500 bikes where stolen last year in Avon and Somerset. However, a third of those whose bikes are pinched do not report the thefts to police, either because they don't feel it is worth reporting it or they simply don't think the police will be interested. Nowadays, social media is becoming a very useful tool for recovering your bike. In Bristol area, there is a website where you should report your stolen bike: Stolen Bristol Bikes. 

What to do to avoid your bike being stolen

It could seem a lame advice, but you should buy an old crappy bike, not a bike you can't afford to be stolen. Statistics (and people) show you are more likely to have your bike stolen if the resale value of your bike is higher, obviously. Some online sites also suggest you make your bike look unattractive.

Always lock your bike, even though you will come back fast or it is parked at your own home. Home is not a safe place anymore. Three in ten of those who have had a bike stolen say it was taken from their shed, garage or balcony. ideally with two locks. If you are using just one lock it reduces the safety of your bike. 

Lock your bike to a secure, immovable object, not to a fence or tree that could be easily cut, ideally to an object designed for that purpose.

Although the bike you own is a crappy bike, spend money in the best lock you can afford, using the smallest possible not to give space for bike-stealing tools. Make sure you have the frame and both wheels inside your lock.

LINKS

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http://road.cc/content/news/73062-bike-owners-have-average-23-months-their-bikes-are-nicked
http://www.heart.co.uk/bristol/news/local/4500-bikes-stolen-avon-and-somerset/
http://www.stolenbristolbikes.com/