A Margate City Police Officer registers a youngster's bicycle during a bicycle rodeo held in the Tighe School parking lot in 2019.
MARGATE - The city has been experiencing a rash of bike thefts recently, a problem common in shore towns during the summer months. However, in many instances, the bicycles that were stolen were left unlocked, or secured with an easily cut cable lock.
According to the police, the best locks to deter these types of thefts are U-Locks, such as those manufactured by Kryptonite or Master Lock, that are made of heavy steel and are not easily defeated. Most come with a mount that attaches to the bicycle frame that allows it to be tucked away and available when needed.
According to a release, the U-Locks aren't perfect, but are generally significant enough to deter any theft. Many cable locks we see are easily cut with small pliers or, in the case of older locks, able to be pried apart with not much effort.
Residents should also keep their garage doors closed to prevent them from becoming victims of theft.
The police also encourage bicycle owners to photograph their bikes and record the serial number. Having the serial number allows the bicycle to be registered in the Police Department's bicycle registration database and easily identified when recovered.
"Without that information there isn't much we can do to specifically identify one bike from another," the release stated.
Residents should bring their bicycle to the Margate City Police Department to complete the paperwork to have it registered and the serial number recorded. The Police will assign it a number and keep it in their records.
The Police Department also assures residents that they are actively investigating the rash of bicycle thefts and recommends that anyone who sees any suspicious activity should contact the police at 609-822-1151.
