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Bicycle Security

Mayor Murry and Commissiner Gennario Urge Residents To Properly Secure Their Bicycles

Rockville Centre, NY: Rockville Centre Mayor Francis X. Murray and Rockville Centre Police Commissioner Charles Gennario are urging residents to help prevent bicycle thefts by properly securing their bicycles.

“Bicycle thefts are a crime of opportunity, and while some crimes are difficult to prevent, this is one type of crime YOU can help prevent by taking some time to implement these tips to secure your bicycles, said Mayor Murray.

Below are some tips to help prevent your bicycle form being stolen:

  • Always lock your bicycle, especially at home. This includes your garage, patio, yard, dorm room, apartment building, when carrying on a car rack, etc.
  • Lock your bicycle in a well-lit area where there are other bikes.
  • Do not lock your bicycle in the same location all the time.
  • Make sure your bicycle cannot be lifted over the object to which it is locked.
  • Create a snug fit with wheels and frame so that there is little space in the u-portion of the u-lock for a thief’s tools.
  • Do not lock your bike to itself – front wheel or rear wheel to frame.
  • Always position your u-lock with key entry facing down.
  • If you’re only locking one wheel, it is recommended that you capture the rear wheel as part of your lock-up. Replacement cost for the rear wheel can be up to double the cost of the front wheel.
  • Record the serial number of your bicycle. It is important for the police to have in the event your bicycle is reported stolen

Additionally, The Village is making arrangements to have a more secure facility at the train station for those who wish to cycle to the train. With the cooperation of All-Island Taxi, who has agreed to install security cameras covering the bicycle rack, we are attempting to make the area more secure.

As always, if you see suspicious activity, say something, and dial 911.

Security Tip ——> Take the time to lock your bicycle properly

According to the FBI it is estimated that 250,000 bicycles are stolen each year in the U.S. – 15,000 in NYC and Rockville Centre has had 7 reported stolen this year. We have averaged about 22 reported stolen the last 4 years. The problem is only a small number are reported to police. It is extremely difficult and expensive to catch a bicycle thief and many times they are done by juveniles with virtually no repercussions. Even adults that are caught stealing a bike face relatively little in punishment. It is extremely important that bike owners practice proper security for their property.

The Village is currently making some arrangements to have a more secure facility at the train station for those who wish to ride to the train. With the cooperation of All-Island Taxi, who has agreed to install security cameras covering the bicycle rack, we are attempting to make the area more secure. We are asking the public to purchase “quality locks for their property. The police recommend Kryptonite U-locks (about $38.00) and learn how to properly secure their bikes to the bike racks provided. It is extremely important to record the serial number of your bicycle in the event it is stolen. This is extremely important for the police to have if you file a stolen bike report.

In addition:

  • Always lock your bike, especially at home. This includes your garage, patio, yard, college residence hall, apartment building, when carrying on a car rack, etc.
  • Lock your bike in a well-lit area where there are other bikes.
  • Do not lock your bike in the same location all the time.
  • Make sure your bike cannot be lifted over the object it is locked to.
  • If you’re only locking one wheel, it is recommended that you capture the rear wheel as part of your lock-up. Replacement cost for the rear wheel can be up to double the cost of the front wheel.

Basic Lock Information

U-Locks vs. Cables: What is the correct choice? Although they are frequently used, the lightweight cable or chain locks no longer provides adequate security in most areas. In neighborhoods with a known bicycle theft problem the best choice is a strong, reliable U-lock. And remember, two locks are better than one!

Combine a cable and a U-lock, or even two U-locks, when securing your bicycle. The more time and trouble it takes a thief to attack your bike the less likely it is that your bike will become a theft statistic.

Be sure to get a demo from a qualified professional of how the lock works and how to use it properly.

Design Features: Make sure that the design of the lock provides functional security. Gimmicks may look cool, but will they really protect your bike?

Solid Steel is the Strongest — the ideal steel is hardened against cutting yet maintains flexibility, like Kryptonite’s Kryptonium TM Steel used in the Evolution series of U-locks (New York Lock TM, Evolution 2000 TM, and Evo Lite TM).

Services: Find out about the lock’s performance. Does it have a good track record? A warranty? A guarantee? Lifetime key registration and prompt key replacement services?

Sizes: Do not buy a larger lock than you really need. Thieves will utilize the extra space between your lock and your bike to their advantage. A tight fitting lock will make it even more difficult for thieves to get their tools into position and to attempt a break.

How To Lock Your Bike

  • Always lock your bike, especially at home. More bikes are stolen from home than from any other location. Wherever you store your bike; a garage, a college dorm room, an apartment building, use your lock.
  • Pick a good Location: Select a location where there are other bikes. The chances are better that there will be a bike with a less secure lock — or even without a lock — and thieves will usually take the unlocked bikes first.
  • Always lock your bike in visible, well-lighted areas.
  • Lock your bike to a fixed, immovable object like a parking meter, or a permanent bike rack that is cemented or anchored into the ground. If you use a parking meter, make sure the locked bike can not be slipped off over the top of the pole. Beware of locking to items that can be easily cut, broken or otherwise removed.
  • Try not to let your lock rest against the ground where a thief can use a hammer or rock to smash the lock.
  • Use the lock correctly: Position your bike frame and wheels so that you take up as much of the open space within the U-portion of the lock as possible. The tighter the lock up, the harder it will be for a thief to insert a pry bar and pry open your lock.
  • If your U-lock has its keyway on the end of the crossbar, position the lock with its keyway end facing down towards the ground. This makes it harder for the thief to access your lock.
  • Always secure your components and accessories, especially those that can be easily removed, like quick release wheels or seats.
  • If you have a multi-speed bike, leave it in the highest gear. This makes it that much harder for a thief to shift quickly and get away with your bike.
  • DON’T ever leave a new bike unlocked. New bikes have the most value to thieves and they look for them.
  • DON’T lock your bike to small trees, aluminum or wooden posts, or to chain link fences. These items can be easily broken or cut.
  • DON’T lock your bike to anything posted as illegal. Check with your police department for local bicycle parking regulations.
  • DON’T lock you bike to itself. A thief will just carry the whole bike away!

Learn more about safeguarding your bicycle at the following websites:

ROCKVILLE CENTRE POLICE DEPARTMENT

142 Maple Ave. Rockville Centre, NY 11570

(516) 678-9384

OUR MISSION

“The Rockville Centre Police Department is committed to serving our community with professionalism, transparency, and respect.  We strive to protect the lives, property, and rights of all through continued excellence in policing.”

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