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Tips For Preventing Bike Theft On or Off Campus
For Immediate Release
Contact: Steve Dubin, PR Works, (781) 878-9533, sdubin@prworkzone.com
Lock 'Em Up!
Tips For Preventing Bike Theft On or Off Campus
DATELINE: FOXBORO, MA; ISSUED SEPTEMBER 3, 2002 . . .
Wherever you find college students, bicycle theft is an ongoing problem. A popular and convenient form of campus transportation, bikes are all too easy to swipe and resell, making them an attractive target for thieves.
According to the folks who distribute OnGuard locks, who recently announced a new and improved line of bicycle locks, most thefts could be prevented if owners would take a few simple precautions:
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Lock your bike. Most bikes are not locked when they are stolen. An unlocked bike is an invitation to bike thieves. Even if you'll be gone for just a minute, always lock your bike.
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Use a good lock. It's not uncommon to see a $30 lock on a $50 bike. Since bikes often cost several hundred dollars, it's important to protect that investment. The best lock for use on college campuses is a quality, hardened "U" shaped lock, such as OnGuard's "Ultimate LS". Remember, the bike thief's favorite tool is a pair of heavy-duty bolt cutters. If you use a chain and padlock, the chain links should be at least 3/8" in diameter, with a comparable lock. If you buy a cable lock, choose a cable that's at least 1/2" in diameter.
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Secure your bike properly. Lock your bike parts in order of replacement cost: frame, rear wheel, front wheel. At the least, secure your frame tube and rear wheel to a bike rack or immobile object. If you have a quick-release front wheel, take it off and secure it also with your lock. Alternatively, leave the front wheel on and secure it to your U-lock with an additional cable. OnGuard's "Double Security" is an "Ultimate LS" U-lock and "Tough Wire" cable combination that provides maximum security and unbeatable value.
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Choose your parking place wisely. Whenever possible, lock your bike to a bike rack located in a well-lit, populated area. Locking your bike next to one that's more expensive is also not a bad idea. Avoid locking your bike in the same place each day. By moving your bike around, you make it more difficult for a potential thief to locate. If you must leave your bike where there is no bike rack, be sure that the object you are locking it to provides adequate security. Chain link fences are easily cut. Locked bikes can usually be lifted right over a parking meter. Lastly, never leave your bike locked outside if you're going away, or won't be using it for a prolonged period. A bike that hasn't been moved for days is an obvious target.
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Be prepared for the worst. Record the make, model and serial number of your bicycle and keep the information where you can easily access it. It also helps to have your driver's license number and state engraved on the frame of your bike.
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License your bike. Be sure to register your bike with campus police, or license it with the local police department. Should your bike be stolen and recovered, you will need to prove it is yours to get it back. If it's licensed, the police will have all the information needed to identify your bike.
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Help prevent campus bike theft. Be observant around bike racks, even when your bike is not there. Watch out for someone who might be checking out bikes or looking for an easy target. Report suspicious persons to campus police.
OnGuard's "Ultimate" security level locks provide maximum protection against bike theft on college campuses. Currently the best-selling bike lock in Europe, OnGuard's vast arsenal features 32 different locks, including a wide array of U-locks, armored cables, standard cable locks, heavy-duty coil cables and covered chain/padlock units. Each lock category features both key-accessed lock models and 7-pin cylinder combination lock models. As an extra value feature, all key lock models come with five duplicate keys.
All OnGuard locks are constructed of the highest quality materials and feature European engineering. Seeing an OnGuard lock can make a thief change his mind and decide to look elsewhere. OnGuard locks -- providing security solutions around the globe. It's one mean lock!
For more information about OnGuard locks, visit www.onguardlock.com, or call
(800) 213-4561.
This article courtesy of http://www.bestbikeguide.com.
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