Full Notification

Protecting you bicycle from thieves.

Stolen bikes make up about 7 percent of the thefts in the Mission Area, and the days are long past when bike theft was a crime by children, against children.

So far this year, bikes taken amount to 29, which is one less than this time last year, and amounts to about two bikes per week taken in some kind of crime.

The good news this year is, the number bikes taken from private yards, homes, garages, etc. has dropped compared to last year:  13 vs 19.  Bikes taken this year from yards dropped from 7 last year to just 1 this year!

That's a good sign that all the warnings police have given to lock your bikes, even at home, may be paying off. 

But if the percentage of stolen bikes in private places has dropped, then the percentage taken in public places has risen.  Most bikes taken from public places are UNLOCKED when stolen, so the best protection from losing your bike is to use a good lock, and lock it every time, even if you're just gone for a second.

We recommend that you write down the serial # of your bike, and etch bikes with a personal # like your Cal ID or Driver's Lic #.  Mark it in a couple places, too.

Meanwhile, speak up against anyone you see or know who shoplifts.  Too many local stores are being impacted by shoplifting.  Shoplifting cannot be justified or rationalized by thinking, "Well, it's a big store," or "It's just a little lipstick."  Most shoplifts are a matter of WANT over NEED. And when parents are doing it, how can they be a model to children?  Pride, integrity and self discipline are more important than having the latest fad accessory.

Prepared by:

Lt. Paul Vernon