they say ' a picture is worth a thousand words'. there are 'three thousand words' here. these pictures were taken at the bicycle bay of one of the mass rapid transit (mrt) stations.
written answer to parliament question on ' how many bicycle thefts have been reported each year over the last 5 years'
over the last 5 years, an average of 590 cases of bicycle theft were reported each year, with a peak of 790 cases in 2005 and a low of 580 cases last year. for the first two months this year, there were about 80 cases of bicycle theft reported, which is the lowest number when compared to the corresponding periods from 2005 to 2007. bicycle thefts have been on a downward trend since 2005.
bicycle thefts typically take place at common areas in public housing estates such as void decks, corridors, staircase landings, lift landings as well as at bicycle bays located at mrt and lrt stations. in most bicycle theft cases, the culprits tampered with the bicycle chains or locks used to secure the bicycles. there were also cases where opportunistic perpetrators took off with bicycles that were left unattended or unsecured.
4 comments:
Bicycle owners normally don't report the theft of their bicycles. Over the last 30 years, I have lost a total of 5 bicycles and they were all parked outside my flat, not downstairs in the void deck. So far I have not reported any of the loss. Why? Because I feel that the chances of catching the culprits and getting my bicycles back are practically zero.
Therefore the number of reported cases are, I believe, just a tip of the iceberg.
In the 60s, it was mandatory that all bicycles had to be registered. It was compulsory for all bicycles to display a licence plate and cyclists had to light up at night and hence all bicycles were fitted with a dynamo. With the number plate, it would make it easier for the authorities to track the stolen bicycles and this made would-be bicycle thieves thought twice.
Some riders practise taking off one of the wheels for "safe-keeping". I prefer keeping the bicycle with lots of rust; that way thieves not interested. I took some photos last time of policemen using a large clipper to break the bicycle locks when the bicycles were found chained in public spaces.
Peter, the front wheel of an expensive sport bike is usually easily detachable by the flick of a clip-lock. But I think the wheel is removed because the rest of the bicycle will then fit into a vehicle more easily. It was not intended to be an anti-theft measure. Nevertheless, it is true that such a design made the front wheel very vulnerable to theft so it is better to remove it when the bicycle is parked in a public place.
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