Bike theft

Utilisation of D-locks

When locking your bike up in public places, D-locks are by far the more popular choice for cyclists to secure their bikes. The fully rigid construction requires a heavy-duty cutting tool to break into. Multiple strength and security levels, and sizes are available in the D-Lock range, depending on where- and for how long- a bike is to be locked and left unattended.

Most are made of high-quality hardened steel, they can be frame mounted for easy transportation, and often include a parabolic shank design, where both sides of the shank need to be cut to break the lock. Certain models of D-locks also include a braided ‘booster’ cable, designed to allow the rider to secure both wheels, while the main lock secures the frame.

Compared to cable and most chain locks, they are the best solution to keeping bikes safe from theft. D-Locks give the rider the best chance that their bike will remain where they left it.

There are a number of D-Lock models and brands to choose from. For more information, contact your local bike shop.

Parkiteer Bike Cages

Parkiteer Bike Cages are a safe, secure and easy way to store your bike while using the public transport system.

They provide a locked caged area that is restricted to registered Parkiteer users.

Parkiteer Cages provide you with that extra peace of mind, knowing that your bike is being protected from potential theft.

Parkiteer Bike Cages are located at over 100 Victorian Railway Stations and are available 24hours, 7 days a week.

To find out more just head to parkiteer.com.au or call 1300 546 526 to register.

Reporting Bicycle Theft / Information to have ready when making Report

If you do find yourself in a situation where your bicycle has been stolen, you can make a police report via the Police Assistance Line and Online Reporting. You can do this by calling 131 444 or online at police.vic.gov.au.

And of course, you can always contact your local police station.

Some useful information to have when making a police report is where and when it was parked, the make, model, colour. Another piece of useful information is the serial number that is located on your bicycle.

The serial number can be commonly found on the bottom of the bicycle frame in the centre where the pedals meet.

We encourage all bike owners to take note and record their serial numbers in a safe location as you may need this information in the future.

If you are having trouble locating the serial number, contact your local bike shop for assistance.

There are a numbers of ways to keep your bike safe when you store it in public.

Should someone steal your bike, you can report the theft via Police Assistance Line and Online Reporting.

Preventing bike theft

There are steps your can take to best protect your bike when you are out and about.

D-locks

When locking your bike up in public places, D-locks are a popular choice to secure bikes. Compared to cable and most chain locks, they are the best solution to keeping bikes safe from theft.

D-locks come in different sizes, strengths and security levels. The type you choose should depend on where and how long the bike will be left alone.

A D-lock requires a heavy-duty cutting tool to remove it if locked.

Most D-locks are:

made of high-quality hardened steel
can be frame mounted for easy transportation
often include a parabolic shank design (where both sides of the shank need to be cut to break the lock).

Some models include a braided ‘booster’ cable. These are designed to allow the rider to secure both wheels, while the main lock secures the frame.

There are different D-Lock models and brands to choose from.

For more information, contact your local bike shop.

Parkiteer bike cages

Parkiteer bike cages are a safe, secure and easy way to store your bike while using the public transport system.

They provide a locked caged area for registered Parkiteer users.

You can find Parkiteer bike cages at over 100 Victorian Railway Stations. They are available to use 24-hours, 7 days a week.

To find out more or register, visit the Parkiteer website or call 1300 546 526.

Report bike theft

If your bicycle is stolen, report the crime as soon as you can.

This gives police the best opportunity to locate offenders, recover your bike and get it back to you.

Make a report

You can make a police report by:

completing an online theft report
calling the Police Assistance Line on 131 444
contacting your local police station.

Information to have ready

If your bike is stolen, useful information to have when making a police report is:

where and when the bicycle was parked
the make
the model
the colour
its serial number.

Finding the serial number

You can usually find the serial number on the bottom of your bicycle frame. It sits it in the centre of the frame where the pedals meet.

If you can't find the serial number, contact your local bike shop for help.

We recommend all bike owners take note and record their serial numbers in a safe location. You may need this information in the future.

Staying safe as a cyclist

Learn more about how you can stay safe while riding your bike on the road.

Road safety

Updated 18 July 2023