Police warn of rise in bicycle theft
Rockingham police urge bicycle owners to use tougher security measures to safeguard against theft, after more than 240 bikes were reported stolen this year.
Rockingham acting senior sergeant Kevin Ward said the number of stolen bicycles in the region had increased by more than 10 on last year’s figures.
Sen. Sgt Ward said 19 stolen incidents were lodged, with multiple stolen property included in the reports.
He said most bicycle theft was opportunistic crime, stolen from shopping centres, train stations or open garages, but not always reported to police.
“In most cases, insurance companies require a police incident report and therefore it is vital owners report the incident to us,” Sen. Sgt Ward said.
He said there were a few high value bicycles held at the station, some ranging from $2000 to $3000.
“Without reporting it, there is no way of getting it back and it would go onto auction,” Sen. Sgt Ward said.
He urged bicycle owners to engrave their driver’s licence onto the bike or note the bike’s serial number, located on the framework under the pedals, among important paperwork.
“It helps police to identify who the bike belongs to if the owner can present an identity number to us,” he said.
Sen. Sgt Ward said last week, there were more than 40 bikes at the station which would be held for two months before being disposed of or sent for auction.
