Bike Thefts Spike in Pasadena During COVID-19 Pandemic

The number of bicycles reported stolen in Pasadena since March 1 is nearly twice the monthly average, according to Pasadena Police.

Lt. Bill Grisafe says 24 bikes were reported stolen in March, another 24 in April, and 25 in the first half of May. “Last year we averaged about 13 a month.”

He says most of the thefts occurred in the southwest area of the city, mainly west of North Hill Avenue, north of East California Boulevard, and south of the 210 Freeway.

“It’s likely the result of the fact that people are avoiding public transportation,” Grisafe said. “People are leaving their bikes parked because they’re not utilizing them to go to work because of the stay-at-home orders.”

He suggests bicyclists use heavy duty U-shaped locks, consider using more than one lock, or GPS-enabled smart locks.

If your bike is stolen, Grisafe discourages people from getting involved or confronting the thief, but contact police immediately. “We don’t want people to go out there and do that on their own.”

He recommends people take photos of their bicycle and its serial number, and register it with the city of Pasadena.

“Consider making your bike unique. Personalized features make your bike more identifiable and more difficult for thieves to sell,” a Pasadena Police Department post read on Facebook.

Grisafe added that people whose bicycles are stolen should report it to police rather than think it’s not a big deal “because it’s just a bicycle.”