Do you know your bike’s serial number? Here is a good example of why you need
to record your bike’s serial number.
A search warrant in the 3rd Precinct found 20 bikes at the location of the
warrant. After checking all the serial numbers, only one came up as a stolen.
The serial numbers on nineteen bikes did not show as stolen and were left at
the location found as legally it could not be proven they were stolen.
If you had a bike stolen in recent months and did not provide the serial
number, you can still provide a serial number if you have it. Call the
property crimes unit at 612/673-5703 and follow the cues for the property crime
investigative unit. Do not call if you just have general information on the
bike, you need to provide the serial number.
If you currently have a bike, please take less than 2 minutes to record the
serial number. If you can see it clearly, you can easily take a picture with
your phone of the serial number.
Help us help you.
For questions, contact:
Karen Notsch, Crime Prevention Specialist
Minneapolis Police Department, 3rd Precinct
(612) 673-2856
<email obscured>
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>From me..... Other Bike Theft prevention tips:
- Always lock your bike
- If you have a really expensive bike, get a really good lock (U-Lock or ABUS
are good starts - cable locks are so easy to snip with bolt cutters -
combination locks are also a target)
- Lock your bike during storage in your garage, don't leave garage doors open
for long periods, and always lock-up the garage, too.
- Lock through the frame and front tire if you have quick release style shafts
on tires
- Install anti-theft fasteners for seat and wheels
- Don't lock bikes to trees, especially small ones
- Don't lock bikes to sign posts where the bike could be lifted and slipped
over the sign
- Park with other bikes and in busier areas when locking up
- Consider a GPS tracking device