Gardai in the Dublin South East Area have said that the numbers of reported bicycle thefts has increased 47% in the last year.
The stats (pictured right) are for the 12 months up to 28/02/2015 and 12 months up to 28/02/2014.
The revelation was made at the Dublin South East Area Joint Policing Committee, and cover Pearse Street and Donnybrook Stations.
Local councillor Claire Byrne (Green Party) responded to the news by calling for the urgent installation of safe bike locking facilities.
Cllr Byrne said: “This unprecedented rise in bike theft is deeply concerning to anyone who owns a bicycle and to those who want to see an increase in cycling in the city. Research has shown that people are far less likely to invest in a new bike and continue cycling after a theft, so it’s something we need to tackle urgently.”
She added: “It is clear that the problem is getting worse rather than better. 47% is a huge jump by anyone’s standard and this doesn’t include unreported thefts. No one would accept car crime to such an extent, so it is time for all stakeholders to roll up their sleeves and get to work on solutions to this problem.”
Cllr Byrne said that there should be more units like the Drury Street Car Park bike parking facility and there should be a roll out of street bike lockers, such as the ones currently being trialled by Dublin City Beta Projects.
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“There is of course an element of personal responsibility to all of this. I’d recommend for bike owners to invest in a decent lock, and to then lock it in the correct manner. Always report a bike theft. Taking note of the model, colour and the bike’s serial number can greatly help the Gardai in identifying stolen bikes. And never ever buy a bike that you suspect to be stolen,” said Cllr Byrne.
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