Bicycle Theft Notice from the Police 1st Precinct

The Police 1st Precinct recently generated a notice with tips on preventing bicycle theft, as well as what to do if you are a victim of this crime.

Many bikes are stolen when poorly secured outside a store, park building, business or library. Police recover numerous bicycles during their investigations and when people call 311 to report abandoned bikes. Unfortunately, hundreds of bikes are never returned to their owners because there may be no proof of ownership available. These bikes and many other items are sold through the Minneapolis Police public auctions.

A Message from the Police 1^st Precinct

This is the time of year when bicycles are stolen due to underground garage burglaries. Many bikes are also stolen when poorly secured outside a store, park building, business or library. Police recover numerous bicycles during their investigations and when people call 311 to report abandoned bikes. Unfortunately, hundreds of bikes are never returned to their owners because there may be no proof of ownership available. These bikes and many other items are sold through the Minneapolis Police public auctions.  

TO REDUCE THE CHANCE OF HAVING YOUR BIKE STOLEN, RECORD THE MAKE, MODEL, and SERIAL NUMBER OF YOUR BICYCLE AND KEEP THE INFO IN A SAFE PLACE.  ALSO, save your purchase receipt; it is proof of ownership and value. This information is essential if you want to get it back if it is recovered by the police.

You can find the serial number on the “bottom bracket” of the bike. This is the cylinder on which the pedals rotate. Turn the bike upside down to see the number. Take some photos of the whole bike as well, especially if the bike is unusual looking or has extra features. Put your name on the rim under the tires.

• ALWAYS LOCK UNATTENDED BICYCLES.  Avoid locks, chains or cables that can easily be cut, broken or picked. Use a heavy duty U type lock. Do not protect a $1000 mode of transportation with a $10 lock.
• Lock the bicycle to something stationary, preferably where you or others can see it. Ask security if the bike racks have camera coverage.
• Properly secure them in garages or storage units – do not assume they are safe in an underground facility.
• Remove any bicycle components and accessories that can easily be taken.
• Observe individuals loitering near parked bicycles, even if the bikes are locked.  Call 911 about suspicious activity or notify building security. Provide a good suspect description.

HOW TO REPORT STOLEN OR LOST BICYCLES:

• Call 311 to make a police report after your bicycle has been stolen.

• To see if your stolen bicycle has been found by the police, contact the Property and Evidence Room (Monday - Saturday 8am to 9pm at 612-673-2932. You can also directly call 612-673-5665 between 7am and 3pm Monday through Friday.

CPS Renee Allen; Minneapolis Police 1^st Precinct

Renee.allen@minneapolismn.gov