Own a Bicycle? Lock It Up

Own a bicycle? Keep it outside?

Bartow authorities say bikes thefts are on the rise, with bicycles taken this past weekend from Old Alabama, Mac Johnson and Walker roads in Cartersville and Anns Trace in Acworth.

If your bicycle is kept outside, investigators say lock it up and record the serial number.

More than an estimated 1.5 million bikes are stolen each year across the country, according to the National Bike Registry. An easy target for thieves, bikes for sports and transportation have become more popular and as a result, the theft of bicycles has been on the rise.

How do you protect your property? Have you been the victim of a theft? Tell us in the comments.

"Many people don't realize that bikes have serial numbers, but most do and they are usually found underneath the pedal mechanism," said BCSO's Facebook page. "Many times deputies find bikes, they are unable to locate the owner due to a lack of owner details. Record your serial number, lock up your bikes and report the serial number to law enforcement if your bike is stolen."

Owners may also register their bikes on the National Bike Registry, which offers these tips:

• Always lock your bike, especially at home.
  More bikes are stolen from home than from any other location.

• Pick a good location.
  If possible, select a location where there are other bikes. Always lock your bike in visible, well-lighted areas.

• Lock your bike to a fixed, immovable object.
  Beware of locking your bike to items that can be easily cut, broken or otherwise removed.

Anyone with information on bicycles stolen in Bartow County should report it anonymously via the department's Facebook page.

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