I am just curious if anyone knows whether the recent and large surge in reported bike thefts here on the BC website are a reflection of an actual increase in theft, or rather it is just that Calgarians are suddenly aware of the Stolen Bikes forum on our website? I certainly hope it is the latter, rather than the former.
So many stolen bike reports...
Submitted by DarrenB on
i think more are being stolen...
Submitted by critninja on
I think we can all agree there seems to be more people cycling and so it seems there are more people stealing bikes to match.
One thing that keeps all of us in the shop up at night is people's propensity to use cheapish locks, thinking that it won't happen to them I guess. In my opinion a good lock is incredibly cheap insurance, even if it costs $130+.
So the question then is - where are these bikes going?
Stolen bike report surge
Submitted by Richard Z on
Stolen bike report surge every year this time, although total stolen bikes reported are up as well (13% 2011 over 2010). Probably a combination of seasonal variation and increased publicity of our bike theft page, so more people reorting to CPS, more people posting and tweeting about it. (The web page about bike theft in Calgary only wnet up last year).
From the data I have I
Submitted by Richard Z on
From the data I have I estimate about half the bikes stolen every year get stlen in June, July, and August.
Makes sense
Submitted by DarrenB on
Makes sense. That's when the 'supply' (and demand) is highest. Still, I have been extra cautious locking up recently (e.g., snaring a wheel in my U-lock, using a secondary cable lock independent of the U-lock).
Gotta wonder sometimes...
Submitted by RichieRich on
... if people have figured out that their bikes may be "worth" more stolen, than re-sold? (above a certain dollar value anyways)