Outdoor enthusiasts are enjoying the vast opportunities to be out in nature
this summer. A popular recreation activity in the Asheville area,
of course, is biking; but as it turns out, a popular crime
of opportunity is bike theft.
As the crime prevention message goes: A person can’t fully control someone’s desire or ability to commit a crime, but they can do their best to eliminate the opportunity of a crime occurring.
Asheville Police Department officers want to remind residents and visitors to secure their bikes with a U-lock to a sturdy or immovable object. Also, remember to use a lock when securing a bike to a vehicle bike rack.
It is also important to take a photo of the bike and record the serial number.
Officers on patrol do their best to track down stolen bikes and return them to the rightful owners. Information about the stolen bikes is shared with officers each shift. When pictures and identifying information can be shared as well, that is even more helpful to law enforcement.
APD officers add that taking the bike out of sight, not just locked up on the porch, is the best option if possible.
To report a stolen bike, the APD Police to Citizen (P2C) website tool offers the ability for individuals to report certain incidents online.
You can access the Police to Citizen tool by visiting https://ashevillepd.policetocitizen.com. P2C is NOT a method for reporting emergencies or crimes that are in progress. To report an emergency or crime in progress, dial 9-1-1.
People may also anonymously share crime tips to detectives by texting TIP2APD followed by their tip to 847411, or by using the TIP2APD smartphone app.