Columbia police respond to at least 4 bike thefts in less than 10 days

Columbia police have responded to at least four bike thefts in less than 10 days.

The first happened July 3 in the 100 block of Sexton road, the next on July 6 in the 1200 block of University Avenue, the third on July 8 at the McDonald’s on Business Loop, and finally, on July 10 in the 1000 block of Cherry street.

A sales associate at Walts Bike Shop told ABC 17 News that a lock isn’t the only thing cyclists need to keep their bikes safe. In fact, thieves will often steal individual parts and sell them online.

“It’s not always the whole bike that gets stolen. Sometimes people will just lock up the frame and in most bikes, the wheels can be removed quite easily, the seat can be removed easily. A bike thief that knows what he’s looking for can remove those wheels, put them on eBay or Craigs List,” Benedict Nagy with Walts Bike Shop said.

Nagy said a nice set of custom fiber wheels will sell for $2500 to $3000.

“A lots of wheels and components on the bike are meant to be easily removed so you can kinda service them on the side of the road if you have to, but then also that makes it really easy for them to get stolen as well.”

In terms of locking your bike, Nagy said there’s no lock that will protect it 100 percent.

“There’s no real guarantee there because they can all be defeated.”

He said the best way to keep your bike safe is to register it, bring it inside at night and use two locks.

“Registering your bike is one of the most important things you can do to prevent theft and increase the chances of getting your bike back if it does get stolen,” Nagy said.