While summer is synonymous with bicycle rides, a new study says it also means more reported thefts. In fact insurance company Square One found that the number of bicycle thefts during the summer months was 429% greater than winter.
The study’s findings were based on police data in several major cities including Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Regina, Winnipeg, Toronto, and Montreal.
While bicycle thefts have declined sharply in several cities since 2016, Square One says it stills remains an issue, and summer weather means more thieves on the lookout for opportunities.
Out of almost 75,000 reported thefts from 2016 to 2022 in Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, and Toronto, almost half (43.4%) of the thefts took place at home including from sheds and garages. The only city in which this wasn’t true was Vancouver. Bicycles there were more commonly reported stolen from streets or parks, the second most common (30.3%) theft location. Commercial properties were next with 15.5%. Thefts at educational facilities (3.4%) and transit (1.4%) were surprisingly low in comparison.
Square One says it’s important to take proper steps to prevent your bicycle from becoming one of these statistics. Here are some steps one can take.
Invest in a proper lock. For example, U-locks made of hardened steel. Consider combining multiple types of locks, too—the longer it would take a thief to cut or break them, the more likely they are to move on to the next target.
Register your bicycle. Project 529 is a program that partners with many law enforcement agencies, and allows bicycle owners to register their ride for free. Many local law enforcement services, including the Toronto Police Service, have registration programs as well. Record the bike’s serial number and take photos so you can easily identify it.
When parking your bicycle, choose a rack that is securely fastened to the ground or a building. A good rack allows you to secure both wheels and the frame. Try to park in a secure area with limited access or, failing that, an area with plenty of foot traffic. Don’t leave accessories or bags with your bike when you park it.
