22 Bicycles Reported as Stolen in Iowa City Since July

By Vanessa Miller, Reporter

MOUNTAIN BIKES.01.041800.LWW - (PUBLISHED: Mountain bikes have moved to the front of the pack for many bicyclists in Eastern Iowa. There are still many kinds of bicycles to choose from when shopping for a new one - just check out this array of cycles at Hall Bicycle and Fitness in downtown Cedar Rapids - and a few road cyclists still cling to the sleek, skinny-tired racing models. But mountain bikes have grown in popularity, especially with older cyclists. Long a staple of young riders, mountain bikes are now finding more and more adults astride them. So find a trail and hop on. ) Lots of bikes on display at Hall Bicycle in downtown Cedar Rapids. Tuesday, April 18, 2000 (COLOR)

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By Belinda Yeung

Story Created: Jul 16, 2012 at 1:13 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jul 16, 2012 at 1:19 PM CDT

IOWA CITY, Iowa - In just the first two weeks of July, Iowa City police have taken 22 complaints about stolen bicycles, and city officials are encouraging riders to register their bikes to safeguard against theft.

Bicycle theft victims often don’t know the serial number for their bike, preventing police from identifying a bike when it’s recovered and getting it back to the right owner. If the department has the stolen bicycle information on file, chances are better that the bike will be recovered and returned, according to city officials.

Iowa City police report that bicycle theft calls have become routine, although the occurrences ebb and flow based on the weather and the University of Iowa student population in town. The thefts can occur at public bike racks and at private residences, and the police department is urging residents to lock up their rides no matter where they are.

“When at home, do not leave a bicycle in an opened garage or unsecured in a yard or on a porch or deck,” according to police Sgt. Denise Brotherton.

And call police right away about stolen bicycles, as “this will help the police department track where the thefts are occurring and to be on the lookout for the stolen bicycle,” according to Brotherton.

Owners can register their bikes for free with the Iowa City Police Department at 410 E. Washington St. by filling out a registration form and affixing a registration sticker to the bike.