Bicycle theft can be avoided by taking a few extra precautions.

• Locking tips
• Stolen bicycles
• Free post and rings
• Bicycle lockers

Locking tips

The Bicycle

• Always keep your bicycle locked, even in a garage or on a porch.

• Lock at least one wheel (preferably two) and the frame to the rack or object. This also prevents your bicycle from falling over. If you only lock the wheel, your bicycle can be quickly detached and carried away.

• If you don't need a quick release seat and wheels, replace them with standard bolts. If you do want quick release items, take them with you or lock them to your frame.

• Take lights, mirrors, bags and panniers with you, along with anything else that is not securely fastened.

• Consider riding an inexpensive (beater) bicycle for everyday use and short trips.

The lock

• Invest in the best quality lock (or two) that you can afford-usually a hardened steel U-lock or hardened steel chain and padlock.

• Use two different locks-one for each wheel-so that a thief would need two different types of tools.

• Position a U-lock so that the keyhole faces down towards the ground. A keyhole that is located in the middle of the straight bar (instead of at the end) offers greater security.

• Make sure chains cannot be smashed against the ground.

The location

• Look for a busy, well-lit place to lock up.

• Lock to sturdy, immovable objects that are securely bolted down.

• Make sure your bicycle cannot be lifted over the object.

• Avoid locking to materials that can be cut, like wire fencing, trees, and wooden railings.

• Avoid "sucker" poles by checking to make sure that sign poles are securely fastened to the ground.

• Out of courtesy, never lock to wheelchair ramps.

Stolen bicycles

• Thieves will steal an entire bicycle, or they may steal items on your bicycle that are not securely fastened-but don't' be deterred!

• You can often avoid theft by taking a few extra precautions.

• There are over a million cyclists in Toronto. Together we can stop bicycle theft.

Take action

• Register your bicycle with the police on-line at www.torontopolice.on.ca/bike or phone 416-808-2222. This will increase the chances of having your bicycle returned to you. You will need to know the serial number (it will be somewhere on the frame) and the make.

• Always report a stolen bicycle or part-even if your bicycle wasn't registered. If there are numerous thefts in an area the police can take action.

• Don't support the market for stolen bicycles. Only buy a secondhand bicycle from someone you trust. If you are not sure whether a bicycle has been stolen, ask questions or call the police.