How to protect yourself from bicycle theft!

In the Lepel district, 3 thefts of road bicycles were committed in the first 5 months of 2021 (9 in 2020), which is 6 more than last year. A suspect has been identified in 2 cases.

By location of commission: 2 thefts of road bicycles were committed from the street, and 1 theft from the entrance of an apartment building.

In the town of Lepel, 2 thefts of road bicycles were committed, and 1 theft was committed in rural areas.

The main reason for committing this type of crime in most cases is the citizens' own carelessness, as well as their irresponsible attitude towards their property.

Nowadays, a wide variety of bicycles can be seen on the streets: from the most modest to multi-speed sports models. Cyclists leave their "iron horses" near shops, building entrances, shopping pavilions, and at night – on the stair landings of apartment buildings. Of course, this does not leave offenders indifferent and prompts them to commit theft.

Such incidents are not isolated. Many urban bicycle owners, after riding outdoors, do not bother to transport their "iron horse" into their apartment or onto the balcony, believing they can store bicycles in the entrances of residential buildings, and leave them on the stair landings near their apartments.

It is necessary to draw the attention of such citizens to the fact that they are thereby violating fire safety regulations. The storage and placement of furniture, property, and personal belongings are prohibited on evacuation routes, which include common areas of residential apartment buildings. Bicycles belong in a garage, a shed, or inside an apartment.

To protect your bicycle from thieves, the owner must first and foremost ensure the security of their vehicle. There are now many simple and inexpensive ways to install anti-theft devices and safeguard your two-wheeled companion. A bicycle can be protected from theft not only by a special cable with a locking mechanism but also by a simple metal chain secured with a standard padlock through its links and attached to any fixed object: a tree, a post, or a handrail on a landing. Such simple devices can prevent the loss of your favourite means of transport, and consequently, financial damage! Make the mandatory ritual of securing your bicycle (even for a short absence) to a static object an automatic habit. To avoid becoming a victim of crime, it is recommended to mark the main components of your bicycle. Do not entrust your vehicle to strangers and know how to refuse requests to ride your bicycle.

In case of theft, immediately contact the police by dialling 102.

Head of the Public Security Police Department of Lepel District Department of Internal Affairs I.A. Mikhno.