On yer bikes but don’t forget to lock them up

Crime Watch with Sergeant Michael Walsh

WITH National Bike Week beginning on September 12, An Garda Síochána is reminding cyclists to take extra precautions to keep their bicycles safe by locking them in the most secure way possible.

In recent years, over 5000 bike thefts have been reported annually to An Garda Síochána, and these figures have steadily increased since the introduction of the Cycle-to-Work scheme in 2008.

Schemes like Cycle-to-Work offer great opportunities to those taking up cycling but it does mean people are investing in more expensive bikes, which in turn makes bicycles a more attractive target for the criminal.

Crime prevention is a three-pronged approach that looks at: 1, the offenders and what can be done to deter them from criminality; 2, crime hot-spots and how we can work with key stakeholders to create safer places; and 3, advising bike owners on the best measures they can take to secure their bicycles.

Locking your bike with a good quality U-shaped lock in the single best security measure you can take. I want to emphasise ‘quality’ and recommend that you spend at least €60 or €70 on a U-lock that has some recognised standard.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

Connacht Tribune Digital Edition App

Download the Connacht Tribune Digital Edition App to access to Galway’s best-selling newspaper.

Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.

Or purchase the Digital Edition for PC, Mac or Laptop from Pagesuite  HERE.

Get the Connacht Tribune Live app
The Connacht Tribune Live app is the home of everything that is happening in Galway City and county. It’s completely FREE and features all the latest news, sport and information on what’s on in your area. Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.