Bike Theft Crime Prevention Advice

With National Bike Week beginning on September 19th, An Garda Síochána is reminding cyclists to take extra precautions in keeping their bicycles safe by locking them in the most secure way possible. New figures show bicycle thefts have risen significantly, particularly in the last three months. Figures from the Garda Analysis Services show that bicycle theft has increased nationally by 9% in the last 12 months.

The majority of bicycles are stolen from roads, streets and carparks, however increases in bicycle thefts from residential or domestic settings are more prominent in 2020, particularly from gardens, sheds, apartment complexes and houses.

So far this year there have been 3,800 reported bicycle thefts, with An Garda Síochána recovering approximately 1800 bicycles. Many cannot be returned to their owners as their serial numbers are not recorded. Only one in five bike owners were able to provide their bicycle frame / serial number to Gardaí when they reported their bike as stolen.

Crime prevention advice:

Spend 10% to 20% of the value of your bike of two locks.
Lock your bike tightly to an immovable object.
Keep the lock off the ground.
Take a photo of your bike, note the serial number and email it back to yourself so you have a record of it forever.
Lock your bike indoors or in well-lit areas if possible.

Please also see our video on crime prevention advice relating to bike theft:

Bike Week is a celebration and promotion of all that's great about bikes and cycling. Held over an extended week each year, with bike themed events organised by local authorities, community groups and cycling groups throughout Ireland. For more information visit www.bikeweek.ie.