While much has changed in the world in recent times, some things have stayed the same. Sadly, people are still stealing bikes from the street.
Victoria Police has noted an increase in bicycle thefts in the Melbourne CBD recently, particularly on Swanston Street and locations around Exhibition Street and Spring Street.
There has also been a number of thefts by horrible opportunists in the hospital precinct in Parkville, nicking the bikes of healthcare workers riding to work during COVID-19.
While police have vision of a thief in action and are working on tracking them down, there are some things that riders can do to reduce the risk of their bike being nicked.
Lock it properly
A good quality lock is a must, with D-locks being the best in the business.
Solid metal D-locks are hard to cut through and are much more of a deterrence than cable locks. They are also operated by a key, so you don't need to remember your partner's birthday.
When locking your bike it's a good idea to connect both your frame and a wheel to the bike rack.
Make it identifiable
You should also make your bike identifiable by engraving identification details which can help with recovery if someone does steal your wheels. An ID number for people in Victoria can be the letter V followed by your driver licence number.
Record your details
Keep a record of your bike and up to date photos that you can show police if your bike is stolen.
Victoria Police has produced a security guide with a bike detail form you can fill in and keep handy. The document also has tips for keeping your bike secure.
Security guideFollow the house rules
Bike thefts don't always happen on the street – it's not uncommon for people to have bikes stolen from inside apartment block garages and front porches.
You should always lock your bike when parking it at home and if you use and apartment block garage don't let people follow you through the door.
More info is available in a house rules guide from Victoria Police.
House rules