The Los Angeles Police Department says it is being “hammered” by soaring bicycle thefts in the Downtown Los Angeles area and is warning bicycle owners to lock up to prevent loss. Bicycle thefts in the area have jumped 59 percent over the last year, with incidents rising from 87 in 2014 to 138 so far this year. That puts the region on track to lose over 400 bikes by the end of 2015 alone.
Police say bicycle theft is most likely to occur outside restaurants, coffee shops, and the Central Library. Data also reveals that Thursdays are a prime day of the week for stealing, especially between noon and 6 p.m. To avoid becoming a victim, police are reminding bike owners to invest in a U-lock—fast.
So, why all the theft in the first place?
Police believe the increase in crime is a direct result of Proposition 47, which was passed by voters in November and significantly reduces the penalties for nonviolent crime.
“There are no real consequences for committing property crimes anymore,” said Lt. Armando Munoz. “The emphasis is on violent crime, not low-grade burglaries, and the criminals know this.”
Well, that’s comforting.
Read more about the surge in Downtown L.A. bike thefts here.