When worried about home security in Idaho, people will lock their doors, purchase alarm systems and buy outdoor motion lights. What about security for other possessions? People who ride bikes should be extremely concerned about security. Around the country, thousands of bikes are stolen each year. In most cases, bikes are easier to steal and sell than vehicles, which make them more attractive to thieves. Here are a few ways to keep your bike safe.
Use Quality Locks
Perhaps this goes without saying: always chain your bike to a sturdy metal object. Never leave it unsecured. If you leave it unlocked for even a moment to run into the store, you ‘ll come out to empty space where your bike used to exist. When you secure your bike, use a high quality U-lock. Professional companies that deal with security in Boise recommend purchasing two different kinds of locks. Both the front and back tire should be secured along with a part of the frame. Thieves will often replace tires if they can steal the frame. Make sure there isn ‘t enough space for thieves to work on removing the locks. In addition, be sure to either take with you or lock items that can be removed off the bike including the seat, a basket, bell, etc.
Park Consciously
If you ride your bike every day to work or school, vary the locations where you park your bike especially if it ‘s an expensive one. Thieves will stalk an expensive bike for days to lock onto your routine. Even if your bike is in a busy location, it can still be stolen easily if you don ‘t take precautions.
Perhaps the best place to park is inside a parking garage- they typically have less foot traffic and more security in Boise than a street. If you have the option of taking the bike indoors with you, that’s another good option. Often businesses have surveillance on their parking lots, so parking your bike in a bike rack (if there’s one available) that’s under the protection of these security measures can help protect it. If you must park your bike on the street, be sure to secure it to a tall, sturdy stationary object.
When parking your bike at home, it can be easy to become nonchalant about its security. Items can be quickly, easily and innocently picked up off one’s property and out of one’s garage. Don’t become complacent; be sure to lock and secure your bike even on your own property.
Register and Mark
There are many ways to register your bike online including the National Bike Registry, so take advantage of this precaution. Often bikes are found by law enforcement after they ‘ve arrested a thief, but because there ‘s no way to find the actual owner, the bike is sold at a police auction. If your bike has been stolen, contact the police right away to report the theft. Most people don ‘t report the theft of the bike because they think that the police won ‘t actively pursue the crime, but stolen bikes are often happened upon in connection to other crimes. You can also register with your local law enforcement department or the bike brand.
Try to label your bike in an out of the way place where thieves can ‘t tamper with it. A piece of tape with your name on it can be stuck in an unseen spot on the frame or under the seat where thieves can ‘t easily find it.
Home security in Idaho, while important, shouldn ‘t be your only concern. Bike theft is a real threat, so don’t let it deter you from enjoying the outdoors, saving money on those expensive gas prices, getting exercise, or any of the other benefits that bike riding offers. Register your bike online, lock it securely when you ‘re not riding it, park consciously, and don’t become complacent.