Don’t be a victim of peddle theft

Bicycle thefts are a growing problem in Victoria, with the number increasing by 81.2 per cent in the past decade – but Victoria Police have provided some handy tips to keep your bike stored safely.

The ‘wheel-y’ safe tips include using a D-lock, storing your bike in a Parkiteer bike cage when possible, and reporting a stolen bike as soon as possible.

D-locks are fully rigid, require heavy duty cutting tools to break into, and come in multiple sizes, strengths, and security levels.

Most are made of high-quality hardened steel, and are more secure than alternatives such as cable and most chain locks.

As for Parkiteer bike cages, the secure caged areas are available at over 100 railway stations across Victoria, including Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, and Ballarat Stations.

They are used by registering online with a $50 fully refundable deposit, with a Parkiteer card delivered within 5–7 business days. The card allows access to Parkiteer facilities across the state, when tapped on a facility’s reader.

Finally, if your bike is unfortunately stolen, you should report the crime as soon as possible. Useful information to provide in a police report include where and when the bicycle was parked, the make, model, colour, and serial number.

You can usually find the serial number on the bottom of your bicycle frame, in the centre of the frame where the pedals meet.

For more information, visit www.police.gov.au and search ‘bike theft’.