Prince George, B.C. – Mounties are asking bicycle owners in Prince George to take the proper precautions in light over 50 bicycle thefts this year and over 250 last year.

Corporal Craig Douglass believes the actual number of stolen bikes to be much higher as many victims don’t report the thefts.

In light of the thievery, police are reminding owners to take into account the following tips:

– record your serial number along with the make and model of the bike. Store this information somewhere it won’t be stolen (ie in a computer). In most cases the serial number can be found on the bottom of your bike where the pedals come together.

– Take pictures of your whole bike, you with the bike and any parts that are unique to your bike.

– Save your receipt. If your bike is stolen, you will likely be eligible for a claim under your home insurance.

– Engrave your driver’s licence number onto the frame and other parts of your bike. This gives officers a direct route to you as the owner.

– Lock your bike to bike racks provided or to solid metal objects only. Do not lock to chain link fence, any vegetation, anything wooden, or anything that can be easily broken/cut.

– Use more than one style of good quality lock on your bike rack and fill the bike lock as much as possible and angle the lock downward.

– Lock wheels, frame and rack all together. Lock your removable front wheel to the back.

– Only lock your bike in a well-lit, well-traveled area and if possible lock your bike indoors.

– Do not store your bike outside in the yard or in a common space.

– Check to see whether bike theft is covered in your home owner’s or renter’s insurance policy.

– If you live in an apartment where space is limited, ask your landlord to provide a secure bike room.