City seeing spike in theft of bicycles, bicycle parts, police say

To help police in the event your bicycle is stolen, bicyclists are urged to record bicycle serial numbers and take a photograph of the bicycle and serial number. (Courtesy photo).

ROCHESTER - Bicycle theft is on the rise and currently plaguing many neighborhoods in Rochester, police said on Thursday.

In the past two months, Rochester Police have received more than 60 calls for service regarding stolen bicycles/parts.

Bicycles and bicycle parts, including seats and "quick release" wheels, are in big demand for thieves looking to sell the bicycles and parts, a statement released by Rochester Police noted.

There are many ways to lessen the chance someone's bicycle is stolen, including locking your bicycle whenever leaving it unattended and keeping it inside if possible.

If that option is not available owners are urged to lock their bike to a solid object such has bike rack, tree or utility pole.

To help police in the event your bicycle is stolen, bicyclists are urged to record bicycle serial numbers and take a photograph of the bicycle and serial number.

Engraving or scratching your initials or some other identifying mark on your bicycle may also help to locate your stolen bicycle.

Report any suspicious behavior to Rochester Police during overnight hours by calling (603) 330-7127. Tips can be reported anonymously by calling the Rochester CrimeLine at (603) 335-6500 or by texting tips to CRIMES (274637) with TEXT4CASH in the body of the text. Up to $1,000 is awarded for tips that lead to an arrest.

Other tips include:

• Make Your Bicycle Hard To Steal
• Use a U-Lock instead of a cable lock. U-Locks are solid steel and are very hard to cut. Cable locks can be cut easily.
• Don't secure your bike with a cheap lock.
• Always secure your bike to a bike rack or solid object. Secure both wheels and frame.
• If it can be removed, it can be stolen! Quick release tires and adjustable bicycle seats are good examples of parts that are stolen easily.
• Engrave identifying markings on anything removable to aid in recovery, but better to secure your bicycle parts so that they cannot be removed easily.
• Keep a record of your bike's serial number.
• Keep a photograph graph of your bike and serial number on your phone or electronic device