New theft threat

Police warn thieves are abusing trackers

Police in the UK, and particularly in London, have noticed a worrying new high-tech trend emerging in the way bike thieves track down their targets, according to bike crime expert Ken German. While many bikes disappear from the street, and thieves have long used the practice of following riders home – it appears that they’re now using trackers instead.

With battery powered electronic devices now being very affordable, thieves are secreting them on bikes parked in public places, then simply waiting for the owner to ride home. No more suspicious following games, just sit back and wait. Of course the thieves even get their tracking unit back to use again if they successfully steal the target.

Riders have become far more aware of being followed in recent times, which is what has led the thieves to seek other ways to identify a bike’s location. Some owners have disturbed thieves as they try to fit units to their bikes.

Unfortunately, despite the increasing volume of bike thefts, it’s still seen as a relatively low priority crime. German told MCN:
“Autocrime in general is still not a priority throughout Europe (understandably many of the EU’s 28 countries have far greater concerns at their borders right now), but the increase in the theft of classic cars and bikes has even raised the eyebrows of Interpol, in respect of both volume and value.”

If you have to leave your bike unattended in public, try to park in busy and well-observed places, and firmly secure a bike cover over your bike. If you have any suspicions, check your bike thoroughly for foreign objects, and always ensure your bike is physically secure at home.