Gardaí to set up database to help combat rise in bicycle thefts
Gardaí have concerns the trend will continue if something is not done to combat it — especially as the public is being encouraged to leave the car at home and take advantage of further cycle lanes being developed around the city.
He said gardaí were hoping to set up a new system whereby they could quickly identify the owners of recovered bicycles.
Sergeant Tony Davis, in charge of crime prevention in the city, said it was hoped in the not-too-distant future all bicycle shops will keep a list of makes and serial numbers which correspond to the names and addresses of people who bought bicycles.
Hundreds of bicycles are stolen in the city every year, many worth up to €1,000.
A very large percentage are never returned, as the rightful owners cannot be traced by gardaí.
In the end, most of the bikes are given to charities.
Sergeant Davis said other initiatives would be put in place to prevent bicycle thefts.
“Garda analysts will identify hot spots where a lot of bicycles are stolen from. They will also look at the most common times the thefts occur and the makes, types and values of the bicycles,” he said.
Gardaí will use this knowledge to target the thieves with specific operations.
In particular, gardaí also plan to liaise with colleges UCC and CIT where there are large numbers of cyclists and furthermore, discuss the matter with City Hall.
Lord Mayor Cllr John Buttimer said commuters were using bicycles in Cork more frequently then ever before. The city, he said, was anxious to encourage the practice which was not only healthy but reduced gridlock.
He said the council is also installing a number of secure bicycle parking bays around the city centre and suburbs.
“The reality is that there will be more bicycles in use and a lot of them are expensive. People should use these bays and ensure their bicycles have appropriate locks,” he added.
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