AS MORE AND more people take to the roads on bicycles – for both commuting and fitness purposes – there has been a rise in the number of related robberies.
According to gardaí in Howth, bicycle thefts have increased over the past number of years.
In 2012 (the last year for which statistics are available), a total of 5,477 bicycles were reported stolen across the country. Of those, just 571 were recovered.
In 2003, the corresponding figure was fewer than 3,000 stolen bikes.
The local station in Howth has started an initiative to help tackle the growing problem.
They say that in the “vast amount” of cases of stolen bikes, the owners cannot provide them with serial numbers, the one unique identifying feature.
To combat that particular issue, gardaí have asked bicycle owners to fill out the snazzy card, pictured above, and keep it safe.
They were out and about during the week, handing out the cards and information leaflet.
The force has also produced videos in the past to help people learn how to lock their bikes up properly.
A number of other stations are also currently involved in a scheme which allows members of the public to view photographs of recovered property on Flickr and other social media sites.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say