How to protect your bicycle from theft

In the Lepel district, 17 road bicycle thefts were committed over 12 months of 2020 (14 in 2019), which is 3 more than the previous year. A suspect has been identified in 11 cases.

By place of commission: 6 road bicycle thefts were committed from streets, 6 from apartment building entrances, 2 from yards, and 3 from apartment building basements.

In the town of Lepel, 13 thefts were committed, and 4 in rural areas.

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

Currently, a wide variety of bicycles can be seen on the streets: from the most modest to multi-speed sporty beauties. 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.

Such citizens need to be made aware that they are thereby violating fire safety regulations. The storage and placement of furniture, property, and personal belongings are prohibited in evacuation routes, which include common areas of residential apartment buildings. Bicycles belong in a garage, shed, or inside an apartment.

To protect their bicycle from thieves, the owner must first and foremost ensure the safety 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 padlock and attached to any fixed object: a tree, a pole, or a handrail on a stair landing. Such simple devices can prevent theft.

loss of your favourite means of transport, and with it – material damage! Make it an automatic ritual to always fasten your bicycle (even for a short period of your absence) to a static object. To avoid becoming a victim of crime, it is recommended to mark the main components of the bicycle. Do not entrust your vehicle to strangers and know how to refuse a request to ride your bicycle.

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

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