How to protect your bicycle from theft!

Over the 9-month period of 2020, 16 road bicycle thefts were committed within the Lepel district (9 in 2019), which is 7 more than the previous year. A suspect has been identified in 11 cases.

By location of commission: 4 road bicycle thefts were committed from streets, 8 from apartment building entrances, and 2 from yards.

In the town of Lepel, 11 thefts were committed, and 5 in rural areas.

The primary reason for this type of crime in most cases is the citizens' own carelessness and irresponsible attitude towards their property.

Nowadays, a wide variety of bicycles can be seen on the streets: from the most modest to multi-speed sporty 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 on the streets, do not bother to transport their iron horse into their apartment or onto the balcony, believing they can store bicycles in building entrances, 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, 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 protect your two-wheeled friend. A bicycle can be protected from theft not only by a special cable with a locking device 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 ritual of locking 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 be able to refuse requests to ride your bicycle.

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

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