The bicycle thieves

Hold on to your bikes – the Durango Police Department recently reported it’s seeing “significant uptick in bicycle thefts” around town, with more than $40,000 in rides stolen since August. 

The majority of thefts, however, seem to have been easily preventable. “These bicycles were stolen from truck beds, back yards, bike racks, and garages left open overnight,” DPD posted to social media. 

Bikes are hot ticket items these days, seeing how top-end mountain bikes can fetch $8,000 or more (about the cost of a car for a normal person). The wave seems to be part of a national trend. According to the DPD, about 2 million bikes worth $350 million are stolen each year across the country –  about one bike every 30 seconds. For reference, in America, 550 hot dogs are consumed every second (not fake news). 

DPD said most thieves typically sell bikes for fast cash, unaware how much the bike is actually worth. Criminals with a little more know-how will usually attempt to sell the bike online, even stripping the bike down and selling parts separately. 

“Durango is well known for being a cycling community, and our love for cycling means there are lots of costly bicycles around town,” Sergeant Detective Chris Thomson said. 

Here are some tips from DPD to prevent your bike being stolen. And although some suggestions may seem obvious, be honest – how many of these do you actually do? 

1. Always use a high-quality lock such as a U-lock. Never use a cable lock – these can easily be cut through with cable cutters or a saw.

2. Lock your wheel and frame together.

3. Use a bike rack (sign poles are not as secure).

4. Do not park your bike on the sidewalk or street overnight.

5. Lock your bike in a well-lit and well-traveled area.

6. Take lights and other easily removed items with you.

7. Write down your serial number and keep digital photos of your bicycle.

8. Register your bicycle at the Durango Police Department. Call 970-385-2900 or come to the main police department lobby to register your bicycle(s).

9. Purchase bike insurance.