Gardaí warn owners about increase in bicycle robberies in recent weeks

By Maurice Garvey

LUCAN gardaí have issued an appeal for bicycle owners to lock their bikes with thefts up substantially in recent weeks, reports Maurice Garvey.

August, September and October are considered by gardaí to be months where there is a spike in bike stealing.

A lot of these thefts occur in garden sheds, and gardaí are urging people to put one good lock on their bike, when it is being stored in the shed, or out in public.

A Lucan Garda spokesperson said: “Especially at this time of the year, thefts of bikes are up substantially. A lot of the stolen bikes tend to be in garden sheds, they may be bikes bought on bike-to-work schemes, and later put on Done Deal or sold to students.

“We would ask people to lock and secure any side gates, and put a good lock on their bike if it is in the shed. Shed locks tend to be weak. Really, bikes should be locked no matter where they are kept. One good U-lock with a cable running through the front wheel.”

“Bikes are a valuable investment, it might be the best way for someone to get to work,” said the garda source.

“We’d urge people to take precautions, right through to September and October.”