Report: Bike Theft in Alexandria at Five-Year Peak

As of late September, 153 bicycles had been reported stolen in the city of Alexandria, up 43 percent from 2012, according to a recent story in The Washington Post.

Alexandria police recommend residents register their bicycles with the National Bike Registry to deter theft and help law enforcement officers return stolen bicycles when they are recovered.

Thefts are up across Northern Virginia. According to the report, 380 bicycles were reported stolen in Arlington County as of mid-October, almost 150 more reported thefts during the same period in 2012. Fairfax police have also reported a 19 percent increase in thefts from 2012.

Metro stations across Northern Virginia and DC are frequent targets for bicycle thieves, with stations having seen a 50 percent increase in bike thefts over 2012, according to the report.

The Metro Transit Police Department launched its own free online bike registration system in July aimed at reducing bike theft.

Cycle commuters can sign-up and register on the WMATA website. To register, riders will need to enter their bike’s make, model, serial number, color and frame size.  

“Registering your bike is the best way to help police recover it in the event that it is lost or stolen,” Metro Transit Police Chief Ron Pavlik said in July.

MTP encourages cyclists to use U-lock devices to better protect their bicycles at Metro stations. U-locks are sturdier than conventional chain locks and are more difficult for a thief to overcome.