Security cameras recently caught a man breaking into the locked parking garage of a local Coral Gables condo. The man first inspects a bunch of cars and then pulls out a pair of bolt cutters and steals several bikes instead. Now the police want you to know that there are even more bike thieves at large, and they have tips on how to protect your bike.
“What we’re hearing from our detectives is that they’re pawning the bikes… taking them out of our city through various means of transportation,” Officer Kelly Denham tells Local 10 News. She says it is a crime of convenience since many of these thieves find stealing a bicycle rather easy, but with many riders having bikes that can cost anywhere between $300 and $5,000, the costs of these crimes are adding up.
How Can I Prevent Bike Theft?
To help you avoid falling victim to these thieves, the police recommend that you take a photo of your bike and record the serial number—police can use these to identify your bike if it shows up at a pawn shop. They also recommend that you use a strong and solid U-lock to deter thieves, since the criminals themselves have admitted to avoiding bikes locked up with these devices. If someone tries to take your bike, do not fight them. Gather a good description of the thief, or take their picture with your cell phone, and contact the police.
The attorneys at Colson Hicks Eidson want you to be safe while riding your bicycle in Coral Gables. Remember that there are many ways to be bike friendly, which can help prevent bicycle accidents. For more information about biking in Florida, keep following our blog, Twitter, and Facebook.
Colson Hicks Eidson—Injury Attorneys