28 bikes stolen locally last year

28 were stolen in the Cavan-Monaghan Garda Division in 2020, and two more thefts occurring this year.

An Garda Síochána is reminding the public to take extra precautions in keeping their bicycles safe by locking them in the most secure way possible.

It follows the release of new figures which show that since January 2020 up to April 23, 2021, a total of 6,845 bicycles have been stolen across the country.

Included in that figure is 28 in the Cavan-Monaghan Garda Division, and two more thefts occurring this year.

Despite best efforts, many of the bicycles found by the force cannot be returned to their owners as their serial numbers are not recorded. Of the bicycles stolen since January 2020 only 1 in every 5 bike owners were able to provide their bicycle frame/ serial number when reporting the theft to Gardaí.

Only last year Gardaí smashed a suspected bike theft ring after raiding a container filled with bikes located at an allotment site in Dublin on St Stephen's Day 2019.

The shipping container at at Griffin Allotments, Newcastle, contained a total of 116 suspected stolen pedal cycles, including dozens of high-end racing bikes.

The total value of the bikes seized was estimated to be in the region of at least €250,000.

Gardaí followed up with the find by arresting a man aged in his 40's at a house in the Drumgola Woods area of Cavan Town in August 2020. He was later released without charge while a file was prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions on the matter.

During the course of the search a large amount of financial documentation was recovered. It included, its alleged, a tick list of people owed money for bikes suspected stolen from across Ireland.

In addition, €7,000 in cash and memory sticks containing photographs of suspected stolen property, including bicycles, were also seized.

Following further enquiries into the financial documentation seized, a total of €122,500 was frozen in various bank accounts, and a further €6,000 in cash was located in a follow up search of the residence.

The most recent recorded theft of a bike in the region occurred only last week when a black-coloured Carrera hybrid bicycle was stolen from a house in Coragh View, beside St Aidan's Comprehensive school, in Cootehill.

Of the total 6,845 bicycles stolen across the country last year, An Garda Síochána recovered 2,139, including 17 reunited with their rightful owners in Cavan-Monaghan.

Of the bicycles stolen locally since January 2020, one has been returned.

The resulting message from An Garda Siochana to help owners protect their bikes from theft is that they spend 10% to 20% of the total value of their bike on two locks.

They also ask that when storing a bike at home in a shed or garage, to ensure it is locked to an immovable object or another heavy item.

Also, owners should take a photo of their bike, note the serial number and store it.

In addition An Garda Síochána wishes to remind the public that cyclists are regarded as vulnerable road users and motorists need to exercise care when encountering cyclists, alone or in groups.

"Motorists are advised to give cyclists the space to cycle safely, particularly when overtaking them. Cyclists can be thrown off course by sudden gusts of wind or when having to avoid uneven road surfaces. It is equally important to check your mirrors regularly as a cyclist or other road user could be in your blind spot. Before opening the door of your ensure you check for passing cyclists. Drivers should also park legally and not disrupt bicycle lanes.”