Police Apathy

Like much “petty” crime in New York City, bike theft is an extremely low Police Department priority. The police approach bike theft strictly on a response-to-call basis. Patrol officers admit a hesitance to act, even if they witness a bicycle being stolen, unless the owner of the bicycle is present or actually makes the complaint.

Officers argue that the law constrains them from detaining people selling used bikes on the street. Consequently, bikes stolen in New York City are transported and “fenced” quickly, effectively and with impunity. Over half of the City Cyclist survey respondents reported that police were “not at all supportive” when they were victimized by bicycle theft. Indeed, bicycle recovery rates during the 1980s averaged only 2.2% — one in 45. [2]

The lone deterrence effort mounted by police is a voluntary bike registration program. This allows cyclists to engrave an ID number on a bicycle's frame at the neighborhood precinct, providing proof of ownership in the event of theft. Increased publicity for this program by the NYPD, along with an official police sticker placed on registered bikes, might increase participation and deter theft.

In addition, police targeting of known stolen bike resale spots, particularly in the East Village, might help dry up fencing outlets and make theft less attractive. Police-on-bikes patrols would also sensitize police to bicycle theft and possibly increase bike-theft-related arrests (see Chapter 16: Governmental Cycling).

NOTES: