Contact: Elaine Tricoli
Phone: (336) 373-2421

Registration Helps Officers Return Stolen Bikes

GREENSBORO, NC – (June 11, 2008) – In Greensboro, bikes are a hot commodity. They’re fun to ride, they’re a great form of exercise, and they let you cruise by gas stations without opening your wallet. But the things you like about your bike are the very things that make your bike attractive to thieves.

“Many bicycle owners are diligent in protecting their bikes,” said Greensboro Police Capt. Anita Holder, “but sometimes, even the best safety measures are not enough to stop someone who really wants to steal your bike.”

In Greensboro, an average of 15 to 20 bikes are reported stolen every month. Many bikes are recovered by officers, yet nearly as many cannot be returned to their rightful owners because there is no positive means of matching the bicycle with the owner.

Greensboro police say bike owners can take a few simple steps to help greatly increase the likelihood that a stolen bike can be returned home: record the serial number, engrave it with an identifying mark, and register it with the GPD.

The City’s Code of Ordinances requires that bike owners in Greensboro register their bicycles. Bikes that belong to children under 16 must be registered by the child’s parents or legal guardian.

The registration process is simple and free. You can request a registration form by calling the GPD at 373-2463 or download one from the Police Department’s website: www.greensboro-nc.gov/departments/police/prevention/bikesafety.htm. Then, mail your completed form to Al Moore, Greensboro Police Department, 2602 S. Elm-Eugene St., Greensboro, NC 27406, or fax it to (336) 433-7319. Once your registration form is received, the GPD will mail a registration sticker to you to place on your bike.

For more information about registering your bicycle, call Moore at 373-2463.

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The City of Greensboro works in partnership with the community to build an increased quality of life for all residents by fostering an environment where inclusion, diversity, and trust are valued. As the seventh largest employer in Greensboro, the City has a dedicated professional staff of 2700 employees who maintain four core values of honesty, integrity, stewardship, and respect. The City of Greensboro is governed by a council-manager form of government where a mayor and eight council members act as the legislative body. For more information, visit us online at www.greensboro-nc.gov.