Bicycle Thefts On Rise with Warmer Temperatures

Got a bike? Engrave it and lock it. Or lose it, Baltimore County police say.

The Baltimore County Police Department suggests all bike owners engrave their bikes. It's simple to do, and if necessary, owners can go to the local precinct and borrow an engraving tool, Baltimore County police said in a press release.

Police say using the ID numbers from a driver's license or Maryland ID card is the best way to mark your bike. Never use a social security number as an ID number, they caution.

Police also suggest when storing a bike in a shed or garage, lock and attach it to a lawn mower or other heavy, bulky equipment. Thieves break into sheds and garages, but attaching a bike to a piece of heavy equipment makes it more difficult to just walk or ride away from the area.

For more information on how to safeguard your bike and other valuables in your home, garage or shed, contact Precinct 12’s Community Outreach Officer. The precinct’s main number is 410-887-7320.

The following is a sampling of recently reported bicycle thefts in Precinct 12:

Jasmine Road, 1900 block, between 9:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m., April 19. A burglar opened a gate at a residence and removed a mountain bike from the front porch.

Stokesly Road, 1700 block, 6 p.m., April 20. A burglar entered a fenced backyard and removed a bicycle.

Wise Avenue, unit block, between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., April 19. A burglar or burglars pried open a lock to a shed and removed a 26-inch bike.

Haselmere Road, 1900 block, between April 15 and April 16. A burglar entered a fenced front yard and took a 20-inch pink Mongoose bike with pink pegs.

Jasmine Road, 2000 block, between April 13 and April 14. A burglar entered the front yard of a residence and took a yellow Tonka bicycle and a red/black Huffy bicycle.