9 Responses to “Cambridge Publishes Bike Theft Statistics, Up 54% This Year”

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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 🙂

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. By Aaron on Aug 9, 2012 | Reply

   Cambridge cyclists should be demanding much more protection and help from the Cambridge Police Department. Bike theft is reaching epidemic levels. What are the cops doing about it? As best I can tell, the police are expending most of their resources guarding street construction crews filling potholes. Seriously. Cyclists should be showing up to police department meetings in large numbers demanding more from these clowns. This has been going on for years.

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