Bike Theft

Click here for Garda security info sheet (PDF, 208kb).

How to prevent your bike being stolen

Unfortunately bike theft is a problem in Dublin but there are a few simple steps you can take to make your bike safer.

Get a good lock!
Good locks cost money but its a worthwhile investment. Most people recommend the U locks.
More on locks...

Lock your bike carefully
Often bikes are stolen because of what they are locked to and not what they are locked with. Ideally lock your bike to a proper bike stand but if none are available make sure there is no way for a thief to remove the bike.
Keep the lock off the ground to avoid giving the thief leverage to hammer or smash it. Leave as little space as possible within the "U" of the lock to make it harder for thieves to pry it open. Make sure that the bike cannot be lifted over the object, such as over a pole with no sign on it. If you can, use two locks of different type i.e. one U-lock and one chain, so that a thief has to carry two different tools (it's harder to carry both bolt-cutters and angle-grinder than just one).

Location
Where you lock your bike is very important, the worst place is somewhere quiet with little passing traffic, this gives a thief plenty of time to work on breaking a lock and taking your bike. If possible lock your bike in a well lit public place with plenty of passing traffic. Avoid locking your bike in a place were someone can work on your lock without being seen.

Lock your wheels
Ideally get a lock that has a cable that can be used to lock your wheels, wheel theft is common and easy for a thief if the wheels are not locked. 

Take note of your serial number
If you are unlucky enough to have your bike stolen the more information you can give the Gardai about it the better. The most important thing is the serial number, this will help the Gardai return your bike to you if they find it. The majority of serial numbers are located under the bottom bracket where the two pedal cranks meet. Simply turn your bike upside down and record the number. If there is no serial number there then check places like the headset at the front of the bike or the rear stays. 

Some Garda facts:

• In 2009, €850,000 worth of bicycles were stolen in Dublin, so it's a serious crime.
• 97% of bikes reported to Gardaí have no serial number; 6.6% of bikes are returned to owners; there's a 10% detection rate.
• A big increase in theft in 2009 (2,184 bikes 2009 vs. 1,888 in 2008) is partly attributed to more & better bikes being on bought under the bike-to-work scheme. Average value has increased to €389.
• Most thieves only carry one tool. Bolt cutters, pliers, and snips are used 77% of the time.
• The main recommendations to cyclists from Gardai are-
  • Report the theft at your own local Garda station promptly -immediate recovery is sometimes possible, so next day is often too late
  • Photograph your bike with your phone & keep the images on the phone - the bike, with you standing beside it to show ownership, all features of your bike; don't forget to photograph the serial number
  • (as above) Use a quality lock
  • (as above) Learn to lock your bike properly

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