Crime & Safety
News Nearby: Someone’s Stealing Bikes in Takoma Park
Chains aren't stopping this bike burglar.
By Whitney Teal
5 bicycles were stolen over a 6-day period, Takoma Park police reported.
There’s a bike burglar on the loose in Takoma Park and he or she doesn’t care if your bike’s chained up, Takoma Park police said in an advisory.
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Five bikes were stolen in the city between July 3 and July 9, the advisory said. Most were unsecured, but the thief cut the chain to get one of the bikes.
The thefts occurred at the following addresses:
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A Kona Smoke was stolen from the unit block of Pine Avenue.
A Trek 7300 Multitrack was stolen from the 7000 block of Carroll Avenue.
A silver Marin was stolen from the 7100 block of Woodland Avenue.
A bike of an unknown make was stolen from the 7900 block of Lockney Avenue.
A green Mongoose BMX was stolen from the unit block of Philadelphia Avenue.
Police are asking anyone with information about the thefts to call them at 301-270-1100, or text anonymous tips to 847411 by typing TPPDTIP at the beginning of the text.
Police offered these tips to keep your bike safe:
When you are at home, keep your bike(s) secure and locked at all times.
When you are out, always lock your bike, even if you are only leaving it for a few minutes.
Avoid parking your bike in isolated or dimly lit places. Always park your bike in a well-lighted, well-populated area whenever possible. Thieves are less likely to commit a theft where they can be easily seen.
Get a good bike lock. The hardened steel “D”-shaped locks are recommended as the minimum standard.
Wisit the National Bike Registry's web page at www.nationalbikeregistry.com for a national registration of your bicycle.
Consider marking and photographing your bicycle. If it is difficult to mark, take a photograph to help with identification if it is stolen.
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