If you must leave your bike outside, don’t lock up to the same bike rack day after day, switch locations and look for well lighted and conspicuous places to lock up.  ALWAYS lock the bicycle frame to the rack – Don’t just lock the wheel – a thief will leave the wheel locked to the bike rack and steal the rest of your bicycle.

The stronger your lock the longer it will take a bad guy to compromise it, they do not want to risk being caught, so a good quality lock will deter a thief and cause them to seek out an easier opportunity.  A good lock buys you time – but even a strong, expensive lock can be compromised by a determined thief.  To defend against a determined thief, reduce their opportunity by storing your bike inside at night and when it will not be used for a few days.

To be vigilant and to combat bicycle theft the NYPD has the Operation ID- Bicycle Registration program, call or visit your local precinct and ask to speak with your Crime Prevention Officer to register your bicycle in the program.  If you represent a community organization or bicycle rider group, please contact our office via email: Crimeprevention@nypd.org or call (212) 614-6741 to schedule a customized registration drive for your organization.

These tips are courtesy of NYPD Crime Prevention.