Bicycle theft is often a crime of opportunity.

During the summer months, there is always a slight increase in these types of crimes given the nicer riding weather and increased pedestrian traffic in residential neighbourhoods.

Protect your bike by registering it on 529 Garage.

In just 5 minutes, you can join the 529 Garage community fighting bike theft worldwide.

Registering your bike is critical to ensure you have the information needed by law enforcement, insurance and the community to help recover a lost/stolen bike.

A registered bike has a much better chance of being returned if found.

The 529 Garage Story

In 2013, we set out to create a sustainable program that helps reduce bike theft, promotes cycling, and makes cities and campuses more bike-friendly. The result is the 529 Garage.

Over the last 2 decades, bike theft in North America has grown to epidemic proportions—affecting about 2 million riders each year. Beyond the half-billion dollar cycling black market, many stolen bikes are involved in secondary crimes—serving as a modern “getaway vehicle” for criminals.

What to do if your bike was stolen
Start a 529 Garage alert 
If your bike is stolen, log into your account and start an alert. Answer a few quick questions, and we’ll immediately let everyone in the nearby 529 Community know.
Always report it to police 

Be sure to report the theft to the police department where the theft occured. If you registered your bike, you should have all the info like the make, model, and serial number to fill in your police report. Most law enforcement agencies have online reporting, which will save you a long time on hold.
Check the 529 found bike listings 
See if someone has already located your bike and posted a tip on our Found Bike page. If you see your bike listed, contact the person who posted the tip and let them know it’s yours.
Check online marketplaces
Thieves often try to sell stolen bikes online, so keep an eye out on sites like: Craigslist, OfferUp, Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace. Be sure to check the listings in nearby cities and areas as well.
Found tour bike for sale online?
Contact the police (preferably whoever you are working with on your police report) and provide them with the information you’ve gathered. They may require you to setup a meeting with the seller, and to alert them once you do.

 

 Theft Prevention Tips for Cyclists
  • Write down your serial number (usually on the underside of the bottom bracket).
  • Keep a photo of your bicycle and detailed description of it (make/model, size, colour, distinctive features).
  • Keep the original sales receipt (know the date and place of purchase, and the value of the bicycle).
  • If you’re thinking about cycling to work, school or a transit, try to research and visit the amenities first.
  • Always use a U-lock. Never use only a cable lock. Ideally, use both. U-locks provide a greater deterrence to theft when compared with cable locks. Utilizing two different locks provides an added level of security (i.e. U-lock for the front wheel and frame and a heavy-duty cable lock for the rear wheel and frame).
  • Lock your wheels and frame together.
  • Use a bike rack (sign poles, trees, fences are not as secure). Ensure the bike rack is securely fastened to the ground or wall. If possible, select a bike rack with at least two points of contact that allow the frame and wheels to both be locked. Avoid wheel bender racks and other racks that make locking the frame to the rack impossible. Visible racks in busy areas further deter bike theft.
  • Avoid parking your bike on the sidewalk or street overnight.
  • Lock your bike in a well-lit area.
  • Take lights and other easily removable items with you.

 

 Locking Tips
  • Never rely on a cable lock as your primary lock. They are easy to quickly defeat with inexpensive tools. Use a high quality lock designed for bicycles.
  • Don’t lock only your top tube. A thief could damage your bike by trying to twist the lock apart.
  • Never lock only a wheel. Thieves can take off the wheel quickly, and take the rest of your bike.
  • Don’t leave your bike locked up outdoors overnight. Any lock can be defeated with enough time and the right tools.
  • Lock your bike when you leave it in your garage, bike cage, balcony or on your car. About a 1/3 of bike thefts are taken from these locations.
  • Use an accessory lock along with your primary lock to prevent bike prowls. Use it to secure the second wheel, helmet or saddle.