The City of Perth has joined forces with the WA Police Force, in an effort to increase bicycle security and stem the high number of thefts from across the city.
The ‘Leave it, Lock it, Or lose it’ campaign aims to raise awareness within the cycling fraternity to ensure bikes are as safe and secure as possible when left unattended.
City of Perth Director of Community and Commercial Services, Rebecca Moore, said it’s important cyclists not only lock up their bike, but use the correct device.
“While some bicycles have been left unlocked and stolen, there’s been an increase in the number of locks broken or cut to get access to bikes,” Director Moore said.
“Thieves are also becoming more brazen stealing bicycles in broad daylight, with hotspots around the CBD and the university.”
Police Inspector Kate Vivian said so far this year, more than 450 bikes have been reported stolen across the Perth district, a 23 per cent increase for the same period last year.
“It’s likely that number is higher but through low replacement value or infrequent use, people haven’t made an official theft report to Police,” Inspector Vivian said.
“Police urge cyclists to double lock their bike to racks, using an appropriate ‘d-lock’ as the best theft deterrent.”
Police are Ranger patrols will begin distributing hanging tags onto bicycles and placing stickers on bike racks to raise community awareness around prevention, and decrease the number of bicycles being stolen.
Issued by: Michael Holland, Senior Media Advisor, 0409 378 926, michael.holland@cityofperth.wa.gov.au