Cambridge Publishes Bike Theft Statistics, Up 54% This Year
Written by Boston Biker on Jul 27Eric sent me a link to this very interesting pdf
While overall crime is at a 40 year low, bike theft is on the rise in Cambridge, read the full document for more details.
I am going to take this as a sign that bike riding is getting really popular in Cambridge, and also that you need to watch your bike like a hawk when you are in Central Sq.
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By Jeff C
on Jul 27, 2010 | Reply
This info may also indicate a greater willingness on the part of bike theft victims to report the crimes.
I know that I’ve had a bike stolen in the past and figured it was pointless to report it as possibility of recovery was zero.
The statement “locks present little difficulty” is also, in my opinion, a gross exaggeration. My guess is that most of these bikes were “secured” by cable locks and not more heavy duty u-lock types that require some serious hardware (or a lot of time with a hacksaw) to remove if secured properly.
By Fenway
on Jul 27, 2010 | Reply
It’s also worth considering that many people when reporting stolen bicycles probably don’t want to admit that their bike wasn’t locked.
By John W.
on Jul 27, 2010 | Reply
I’d also like to point out that Cambridge, and other Metro-Boston cities, provide too little bike parking, and the “racks” are terrible. “Dish” racks are useless. Others, like the loops, rarely allow a cyclist to lock the wheel and frame with one lock. There’s one on Cambridge St. in E. Cambridge that isn’t even cemented in the ground. Why shouldn’t we have locking systems that secure the entire bicycle? This is an infrastructure problem (one that makes the crime easier) as much as a crime problem.
Also, why don’t all bicyclists park their bikes drive-side AWAY from the rack? The bike fits in closer to the rack that way, and other bikes using the rack won’t mess up your drivetrain.
By Dr. Kate
on Jul 27, 2010 | Reply
I suspect that it is the economy coupled with $3/gallon gas. Not only are the bikes worth more – check craigslist recently for used? Ouch! – but there are more bikes out there to take.
I still have to shake my head when I see a photo of a bike on a poster and I know that same bike has been around in the same area daily for weeks and is never fully locked. Sad that people can’t take the extra minute to do it right.
By Dave Criswell
on Jul 27, 2010 | Reply
The chance of theft goes way down when you can fold your bike up and bring it inside
By Marianna
on Jul 28, 2010 | Reply
Or even if you CAN’T fold it up, but bring it inside. That said, I know a couple of people who have had bikes stolen from inside their homes. All you can do it try your best, I guess. And have homeowners/renters insurance.
By Moopheus
on Jul 28, 2010 | Reply
There are unfortunately, no undefeatable locks, only locks that present more or less work for the thief. The best you can do is make it not worth the thief’s time, in that he goes after an easier target instead. So it becomes something of a Darwinian struggle, the weak get culled from the herd. A good U-lock, a U-lock plus cable is better if you’re in a high-risk area. Better infrastructure, reporting, and enforcement would all be desirable. It is unlikely that we will be able to eliminate bike thievery, all we can do is try to improve our odds.