Essential Tips On Preventing Bike Theft In Boston

The people of Boston are no strangers to bike theft. The rise in bike thefts seems to have accelerated over the past few years in Boston. People often complaint about their bikes being stolen from the most common to the most unique places, including their homes, from the driveway, from so called “secure” parking garages and even their balcony’s (can you believe that). In fact there has even been a report of bike theft from the fourth floor.

The point is that bikes theft is a major issue in Boston and the negligence of bike owners does not make the situation any better. This is because many bikes get stolen as they are not locked. Furthermore, bikes are easily stolen from areas that are deemed “secure” by bike owners. A few examples of these so called secure places are considered to be driveways, back yards, balconies, etc. As one does not expect someone to slip a bike from right under their nose, this results in an opportunity for bike theft.

Many people might argue that their bikes got stolen despite being locked, however, what they might not consider is that they probably did not lock their bikes appropriately or should have considered using more secure locks.

While it is hard to predict the motivation of bike thieves, it is considered that drug abuse is the number one reason for such an activity. As bikes can sell up to 10% of their value, they are considered as a more liquid asset for bike thieves than other kinds of vehicles that are tougher to steal. Stolen bikes are unlikely to end up in bike shops and are mainly sold to pawn shops.

While it is evident that bike theft is a Boston pandemic, the question is that what can be done to prevent bike theft. Here are a few tips to help you avoid becoming the next bike theft victim.

1. Always lock your bike to a fixed and unmovable object, such as a rack or parking meter. Make sure that the object is long enough to prevent anyone from lifting your bike over the top of the object.

2. Lock your bike in a public area, preferably where other bikes might also be locked. Avoid dark alleys and other gloomy places.

3. Use the U-lock with a position of your bike frame and wheels for a tighter lock up

4. Position the U-lock in such a way that the keyway is facing the ground, but make sure that you don’t position the lock too close to the ground.

5. Secure your quick-release items with another cable lock.

6. Always lock your bike to another object and not just itself, as this can result in the bike being easily lifted.

7. Avoid locking your bike at the same location all the time, bike thieves may notice your bike.

8. Strictly follow your local bike parking regulations.

9. Check the firmness of your lock before leaving it.

10. Try locking your bike with the combination of a U-lock and a locking cable. This will prolong the required time for a bike thief to steal your bike and make it a less likely target.

Hope the above tips will help you keep your bike secure and safe from prying eyes of the Boston bike thieves.