Clare gardaí urge bicycle owners to take care and lock up

 FOUR BICYLES were reported taken in the past week across Clare as gardaí urge owners to take proper precautions when leaving their bikes.

Two bicycles from the Shannon area and two from the Ennis area were reported taken to gardaí.

In only one instance was the bicycle confirmed to have been locked.

Occupants of Clare home disturbed burglars in the act

In a statement, An Garda Síochana said that: "while there has been a slight reduction in these incidents between 2022 and
2023 there is a marked increase in the value of bicycles over the past number of years, where once the average value may have been €300 to €400, bicycles can cost upwards of €800 to €1200 plus."

Some of the steps gardaí are urging bike owners to take include locking your bike by the wheels and frame to a fixed item, and recording the make, model and serial number of the bicycle, as well as having a clear picture of it in case it is stolen.

Gardaí also recommend purchasing a lock "commensurate with the bike value" as the better the lock, the less attractive the bicycle will be to would-be thieves.

These identifying measures result in all relevant information being at hand in the event of the bike being taken and also increase the potential of the recovery of the item to the owner.