In mid October, Lucy and I met with Officer Jill Ottaviano of the Alameda Police Department regarding the sharp increase in bicycle thefts. In 2008, a total of 192 bicycles were stolen. As of mid-October, 334 bicycles have been stolen. This represents a 75% increase over 2008, and there is still two and a half months left in the year. The data shows that the bike racks in the civic center parking structure on Oak Street (21 thefts) and Towne Centre (35 thefts primarily from the Safeway and Borders locations) are the most popular locations. The remaining thefts occurred from other places through the city including residential porches and backyards. Often more than one bike is stolen at a time. One shocking statistic is that of the incidents 90 were for unlocked bikes.
In order to avoid becoming a victim of this trend, BikeAlameda offers these suggestions.
First, obtain a heavy duty lock. Check out for details on Kryptonite locks. Thin chain and most cable type locks can easily be cut with a set of bolt cutters. If you do use a chain, be sure to purchase one with the heavy links. Stop by one of the bike shops in town to check out the various options for securing your investment.
Second, always lock your bike regardless of the time you plan on leaving it unattended. An unlocked bike presents a crime of opportunity for someone who might not have otherwise thought to take your bike. This includes your porch, deck, and backyard. When shopping at Towne Centre, lock your bike using one of the bike racks located throughout the center.
Third, when securing your bike in a public area, pick a well lit, well traveled location containing a bike rack or other object that cannot be carried away with your bike. According to Officer Ottaviano the civic center parking structure is especially attractive to bike thieves because of the short wall along Oak Street adjacent to the bike rack area. A thief can see out, but the wall blocks the view of the rack area from pedestrian and vehicle traffic. If you are going to park in the theater area, BikeAlameda suggests you consider using the bike racks located in the city parking lot directly across Central Avenue from the Alameda Theater.
Here are the next steps. BikeAlameda will be placing a sign in the civic center garage warning cyclists of the higher probability of bike thefts from that location and direct them to park their bikes in the e-lockers or the bike racks on Central Avenue. Additionally, our advocacy committee will meet with Public Works to discuss the problems associated with the civic center bike racks and possible solutions.
BikeAlameda would like to hear from you regarding possible solutions to the security issues at the civic center parking structure bike racks and what precautions you take when securing your bike both at home and in public areas like the Alameda Free Library and Towne Centre.
Jeff Cambra, Boardmember BikeAlameda
posted: Wed, 28 Oct 2009