There are several reasons why a significant number of bikes are stolen and only a fraction of them are recovered. Here are some factors that contribute to this issue:
Portability: Bicycles are relatively easy to steal due to their portability. They can be quickly picked up, carried away, or loaded into a vehicle, making it difficult to prevent theft.
Lack of Security Measures: Many bicycles are not properly secured, which makes them attractive targets for thieves. If a bike is not locked or if a weak lock is used, it becomes an easy target for opportunistic thieves.
Quick Disassembly: Thieves can disassemble a stolen bike quickly, removing various parts such as the wheels, seat, or handlebars, and sell them individually. This makes it harder to identify and recover the stolen bike as its components may be sold separately or used to customize other bikes.
Resale Value: Stolen bikes can be sold on the black market or through online platforms, making it challenging for law enforcement to track them down. Some thieves may also sell stolen bicycles in different cities or even countries, further complicating recovery efforts.
Lack of Reporting: Not all bike thefts are reported to the authorities. Some victims may choose not to report the incident due to the perception that little can be done to recover the stolen bike or due to the hassle involved in the reporting process. This underreporting can contribute to the low recovery rates.
Limited Resources: Law enforcement agencies may have limited resources and manpower to dedicate to investigating and recovering stolen bicycles. They often prioritize more severe crimes, and the recovery of stolen bikes may not be their top priority.
To mitigate the risk of bike theft, it is advisable to use high-quality locks, secure bikes in well-lit and populated areas, and register the bike's serial number with local authorities or bike registries. Taking preventive measures and promptly reporting thefts can increase the chances of recovery.