NCJ Number
148029
Journal
Journal of Security Administration Volume: 16 Issue: 2 Dated: (1993) Pages: 17-24
Date Published
1993
Length
8 pages
Annotation
In developing a bicycle-theft profile, this study examined factors such as the effect of daylight/darkness, geographic location, action or inaction by victims and thieves, and characteristics of the stolen bicycles.
Abstract
The study site was Ellensburg, Wash., whose population was 12,500. Of these, 7,000 were students at Central Washington University. Data on bicycle thefts were obtained from police reports for 1990 to 1992. A total of 267 cases were examined. An average of 90 bikes were reported stolen each year, valued at an average of $330 per bicycle. Forty- seven percent of the bicycles stolen were mountain bikes, 18.2 percent were touring bikes, and 34.8 percent were BMX type. In most of the cases victims failed to secure their bikes. In only 10.5 percent of the cases was there any evidence that locks were cut. Three general motivations apparently prompted the thieves to take the bikes: one-time use for immediate transportation (bicycle found abandoned), personal continuous use (bicycle not found abandoned or resold), and for commercial purposes (bicycle resold). Measures to reduce bike thefts include mandatory bike registration and bike-owner education about bike security measures. 5 tables and 5 references