60 gone in seconds: Full extent of cycle of crime in Kilkenny revealed

A total of 60 bikes have been stolen in the Kilkenny-Carlow Garda region since the beginning of 2020. But on a positive note, two third of the bicycles have been recovered.

That success ratio is among the best for any garda region in the country. Nationally, less than one-third of all bikes stolen are recovered.

Only the Garda divisions of Cork North, Kerry, Donegal, Mayo and Tipperary have a higher recovery ratio of stolen bikes than the Kilkenny-Carlow region.

An Garda Síochána released the figures as part of a campaign reminding the public to take extra precautions in keeping their bicycles safe by locking them in the most secure way possible.

Nationally, a total of 6,845 bicycles have been stolen across the country in that time, with An Garda Síochána recovering 2,139 bicycles. Many cannot be returned to their owners as their serial numbers are not recorded.

Of the bicycles stolen since January 2020, just one in every five bike owners were able to provide their bicycle frame/serial number when reporting the theft to gardaí.

Garda Crime Prevention Officer, Sergeant Michael Walsh, said: “We are appealing to all bicycle owners to ensure they lock their bikes as securely as possible when they are not in use.

“Schemes like cycle to work offer great opportunities to those taking up cycling but it does mean people are investing in more expensive bikes. Therefore, it makes sense to invest in quality locks to prevent bike theft.

“A good quality lock would involve spending 10% to 20% of the value of the bike on two locks. On average this would amount to €140/€150.

“Take a photo of your bike. Note the serial number. Email the photo and serial number to yourself or store it on the cloud, so you will always have a record of it.

“If your bike is stolen, report the theft to Gardaí as soon as you can, and ensure you have your serial number to hand if you have it, Garda Walsh added.