Methods and means of protection against criminal encroachments related to bicycle thefts

Each year, more and more citizens acquire new bicycles and personal mobility devices. Unfortunately, along with this, the number of thefts of these vehicles is also growing. A bicycle is a very valuable and, at the same time, often carelessly stored property. This carelessness and negligence are increasingly exploited by criminals.

In the first 5 months of 2021, 76 bicycle thefts were registered in the Vitebsk region. One of the reasons contributing to bicycle thefts is the owners' negligent attitude towards their safety, which is confirmed by the significant number of such crimes committed in public places – 37 incidents or 48.6% of all bicycle thefts. With the onset of the warm season, an increase in the number of bicycle thefts is predicted.

In the Postavy district, 9 bicycle thefts were committed in 2020 (1 in the first 5 months), 3 of which were from apartment building entrances and 5 by free access in public places. In the first 5 months of the current year, 3 criminal cases have already been initiated for bicycle thefts, with 2 thefts committed in public places by free access.

To prevent and solve bicycle thefts:

· Keep the documents you received from the store when purchasing the bicycle;

· Remember that by buying a bicycle without documents, you risk becoming the owner of a stolen "steed";

· If for some reason you don't have documents for your bicycle, be sure to write down or photograph the frame's serial number (it is usually stamped on the bottom of the bottom bracket shell). It is also advisable to take a full "profile" photo of the bicycle.

· Try to remember the distinctive features of your bicycle – "non-native" parts, installed accessories, stickers, scratches, and other damage. In case of theft, these measures will significantly help in the search and can be crucial for proving your ownership.

Ways to reduce the risk of bicycle theft

The only guaranteed way to protect against theft is not to leave your bicycle unattended. Various types of locks, alarms, and other tricks will only be a temporary obstacle for a thief.

If you still have to leave your bicycle, be sure to secure it with a bicycle lock. Even if you are only away for a minute to pop into a store.

If possible, leave your bicycle in a place where it remains in your sight while you are inside the building, for example, sitting in a cafe. The bicycle should still be locked.

Do not entrust the supervision of your bicycle to random and unfamiliar people, such as a vendor from a nearby kiosk.

It is advisable to leave your bicycle within the view of surveillance cameras, if any are nearby.

When securing your bicycle to a fence, railing, or similar structure, ensure its reliability and stability.

Lock your bicycle by the wheel and frame, and if the cable length allows – by both wheels and the frame.

Do not forget to take all quick-release bicycle equipment with you – bike computer, lights, pump, water bottle.

When leaving your bicycle for a long time, you can also take the saddle with you, as it is attached with a quick-release skewer on most modern bicycles.

There is an opinion that an unwashed and dirty bicycle significantly loses its attractiveness in the eyes of thieves.

If you cycle to work, try to arrange with the security service or management to leave your bicycle on the company's premises or inside the building in a utility room.

If you receive a negative answer, don't be discouraged, use a substantial steel chain and a padlock to "secure" your bicycle. And to avoid carrying all this weight, you can leave it right at your permanent parking spot.

A few words about locks:

The most common type of bicycle lock is the cable lock. Cheap and thin cables are easily and quickly cut with small wire cutters, or can even be torn with bare hands. An acceptable thickness for a bicycle lock is 12 mm or more, i.e., about the thickness of a finger. Don't be fooled, these locks can also be cut with small wire cutters, but it will take significantly longer. The lock mechanism itself can be classic or combination. A combination lock, despite its apparent convenience, is very unreliable as it usually contains a 4-5 digit combination that can be easily guessed within a few minutes.

Chain bicycle locks and U-locks are much more resistant to breaking. Such a lock can only be opened with an angle grinder or huge bolt cutters. However, its resistance to picking is on par with ordinary locks.

In case of bicycle theft

As soon as you discover your bicycle is missing, immediately call the police.

Remember or write down the time of the theft. Inspect the scene.

Look for surveillance cameras around.

Try to find witnesses, write down their numbers.

When contacting the police with a theft report, you will need your passport, and preferably documents for the bicycle, its photos, or a detailed description. When stating the value of the bicycle, consider all upgrades and modifications. If you are under 18, you will need to bring one of your parents to file a report.

Post information about the missing bicycle on specialized networks.

Report the theft to all your cyclist friends; perhaps your bicycle will be spotted in the city by one of them.

Browse local ads for used bicycles; there's a chance you might find your two-wheeled friend there.

If you manage to find your bicycle yourself, do not try to take it from the new owner, especially with force. Immediately call the police; further investigation is our job.

For the attention of persons intending to unlawfully seize another's property:

Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus. Article 205. Theft

1. Secret appropriation of property (theft) - punishable by public works, or a fine, or correctional labor for up to two years, or arrest for up to six months, or restriction of liberty for up to three years, or imprisonment for the same term.

2. Theft committed repeatedly, or by a group of persons, or with penetration into a dwelling, - punishable by correctional labor for up to two years, or arrest for three to six months, or restriction of liberty for up to four years, or imprisonment for the same term.

To prevent bicycle thefts, follow these recommendations:

-do not leave your bicycle unattended on the stairwell, near the entrance or a shop, near administrative buildings, or in basements;

-purchase an anti-theft device for your bicycle and use it when leaving your two-wheeled friend unattended;

-do not rely on intercoms installed in entrances; criminals can enter the entrance and steal your bicycle or other property;

-do not let strangers into the entrance;

-do not leave your bicycle in the basement;

-assist children and elderly people in transporting bicycles to a safe storage location;

-immediately report to the police if you notice suspicious people near your home, entrance, or shop, who are interested in unattended bicycles or other property.

Contact numbers for the operational duty service of the Internal Affairs Department of the Postavy District Executive Committee: 102, 8-02155-41002, 8-029-3257402 (A-1), 8-029-5102945 (MTS), 8-025-6037130 (Life)

Deputy Head of the Internal Affairs Department

of the Postavy District Executive Committee –

Head of Public Security Police A.G. Myadelko