More than 70 bicycles stolen in Laois-Offaly in last 16 months

61 bikes were stolen in Laois-Offaly in 2020, while 14 have been stolen between January and April 23 2021.

21 of those bikes were recovered in 2020, while two have been recovered in the first four months of this year.

Nationally, since January 2020 to April 2021, a total of 6,845 bicycles have been stolen, with An Garda Síochána recovering 2,139 bicycles. Many cannot be returned to their owners as their serial numbers are not recorded.

It comes as An Garda Síochána urge the public to take extra precautions in keeping their bicycles safe by locking them in the most secure way possible.

Of the bicycles stolen since January 2020, only 1 in every 5 bike owners were able to provide their bicycle frame or serial number when reporting the theft to Gardaí. This causes problems reuniting bicycles with their owners.

Gardaí are advising the public to spend 10% to 20% of the value of a bike on two locks, to lock it tightly to an immovable object and to keep the lock off the ground.

When storing bikes at home in a shed or garden, people are advised to lock it to an immovable object or a heavy item such as a lawnmower. Where possible, bikes should be locked indoors in a well-lit area.

Cyclists should also take a photo of their bikes, note the serial number and email it to themselves or store it on the cloud to have a permanent record of it.

An Garda Síochána has a number of recovered bicycles at Garda Stations around the country which have not yet been claimed.

Photos of bicycles which have been recovered but not yet returned to their owners are available by Division on www.garda.ie and on An Garda Síochána’s Divisional Facebook Pages along with details for owners to claim their bike.

Crime Prevention Officer in the Galway Garda Division Sgt Michael Walsh said:

"We are appealing to all bicycle owners to ensure they lock their bikes as securely as possible when they are not in use. Anecdotally, more people are cycling since the start of the pandemic and this is to be welcomed.

“Schemes like cycle to work offer great opportunities to those taking up cycling but it does mean people are investing in more expensive bikes.

"If your bike is stolen, report the theft to Gardaí as soon as you can, and ensure you have your serial number to hand if you have it. If you have had your bicycle stolen, you can now go onto the Garda website www.garda.ie or our Garda divisional Facebook pages to view bicycles that are currently in our property stores.”

In addition An Garda Síochána wishes to remind the public that cyclists are regarded as vulnerable road users and motorists need to exercise care when encountering cyclists, alone or in groups.

"Motorists are advised to give cyclists the space to cycle safely, particularly when overtaking them. Cyclists can be thrown off course by sudden gusts of wind or when having to avoid uneven road surfaces.

“It is equally important to check your mirrors regularly as a cyclist or other road user could be in your blind spot. Before opening the door of your ensure you check for passing cyclists. Drivers should also park legally and not disrupt bicycle lanes.

"We all have a responsibility, whether as motorists, cyclists, or pedestrians to share the road in a safe and responsible manner,” Sgt Walsh concluded.