(HURON COUNTY, ON) - Over the last month Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has seen a spike in the number of reported bicycle thefts throughout the county, with the biggest rise seen in the Town of Goderich.
Since August 1, 2018 Huron County OPP has investigated a total of 24 reported bicycle thefts with 15 taking place in the Town of Goderich. Huron OPP officers, including members from the Huron-Perth OPP Community Street Crimes Unit (CSCU) would like to offer the following tips to help bicycle owners protect their property:
Always lock your bike when you are not using it, even when it's on your own property. Be wary of cheap cable locks, which are easily chopped with wire cutters. High quality U-Locks are your best option and two locks are better than one.
Whenever possible bring your bike inside. If you must park it outside, park it in a well-lit, busy spot.
Lock your bike up inside your garage to a fixed object.
If you use a quick release seat and wheels, take them with you or lock them up as well.
Keep a file on all of your bikes that includes receipts, serial numbers and up-to-date photos. This will help you identify your bike if it is recovered.
Consider investing in a GPS tracking device.
Be advised, no lock is impervious, however, if your bike is worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars it would be wise to purchase the strongest, best lock available. By using a strong lock, it will deter criminals from targeting your bike.
Huron County OPP does have some investigative leads in some of these investigations. Police anticipate laying charges in at least one of these cases.
Any person with information regarding any of these recent bicycle theft cases should immediately contact Huron OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or (519) 524-8314.
Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.