Tips for preventing bike theft and what to do if your bike is stolen

Tips for preventing bike theft and what to do if your bike is stolen



One of the largest bicycle theft incidents in Canada occurred in Toronto in 2008, when police found thousands of bicycles and bicycle parts in the store, residence and rental garages. one man.

It has been a spectacular affair, but every cyclist in Canada has reason to fear that their bike will be stolen.

"In most cities, the [COVID-19] pandemic is making many new cyclists, and we are concerned that bicycle theft is on the increase right now," said Navdeep Chhina, interim executive administrator of HUB Cycling, a charity that works to increase the number of cyclists in Vancouver. “The most recent thefts are the result of break-ins, probably from bicycles in storage while people are working at home. "

The bicycle is also becoming an increasingly popular mode of transportation in Montreal. According to the SPVM, 2,000 bicycle thefts are reported each year, but most thefts go unreported. And, if you've had your bike stolen, the chances of getting it back are slim. According to Toronto Police data, approximately 21,000 bicycle thefts were reported between 2014 and 2019, and only 252 bikes were recovered.
Some tips to reduce the risk of your bike being stolen:

    Register your bike with the local police. In Toronto, for example, a simple form on its website adds your bike to the Toronto Police Service's bike registry database.
    Make sure your bike has a serial number. If it doesn't, engrave an ID number on the frame. Without a serial number, the police have no way of returning it to you if the stolen bike is found.
    Invest in a quality lock - like a hardened steel U-shaped padlock or a hardened steel chain and padlock.
    Secure your bicycle and its two wheels to a fixed object that cannot be easily cut or broken.
    Don't be an easy target. Park your bike in a secure bicycle parking lot located in a well-lit and busy area. Never leave your bike unlocked on your balcony, in a bike rack or in your car.
    Avoid hitching your bike in the same place for days in a row.
    Write down all the information about your bike: make, model, style, color, year, number of gears, manufacturer and serial number.

What to do if your bike has been stolen

First, report the crime to the police. Dial your local police number instead of 911 or the emergency number.

Mr. Chhina also recommends the 529 Garage app, used in Canada and the United States, which you can download to your phone. In the event of theft of a bicycle registered in this application, an alert is sent to the authorities registered in the 529 application, which includes more than 400 police departments, universities, cycling clubs, bicycle shops around the world, as well as users of the application. Thanks to 529 Garage, it is no longer a few agents who are looking for your bike, but a community of thousands of people. Since the launch of 529 Garage in 2015, the number of bike thefts in Vancouver has decreased by 40%. The service also offers a tamper-proof 529 sticker that you can affix to your bike to deter thieves.

Also, make sure your home insurance policy is up to date to include protection for your bike in the event of theft. Talk to your insurance representative about the options available to you.
Thief stealing a bicycle

Disclaimer: The information provided and the opinions expressed in this blog are based on research and interviews with the authorities indicated, conducted on behalf of Allstate Canada. This information is provided for your convenience only and should not be construed as legal or insurance advice.