Bike theft is the 2nd most common form of larceny in Santa Cruz behind vehicle break-ins. Santa Cruz has a significant bike theft problem. Bikes are valuable, portable and easy to resell, making them attractive to thieves. 402 bicycles were reported stolen in the City of Santa Cruz in 2014. The first line of defense for our community is awareness and prevention to curb bicycle thieves.
![]()
Bicycles and bicycle parts including seats and wheels are in big demand and thieves are well equipped and well organized. With some precautions, you can lower the odds that you’ll be the victim of a stolen bike.
![]()
MAKE IT HARD TO STEAL - It has been found that in the vast majority of bicycle thefts, bicycles were either unlocked, improperly locked, or locked with inadequate locking devices such as lightweight cables or chains or low-quality U-lock devices.
![]()
Bike locking graphics from San Francisco Bicycle Coalition![]()
![]()
REGISTER YOUR BIKE - SCPD encourages you to bring your bicycle and get it licensed at:
City of Santa Cruz, Finance Department
155 Center Street
Registering discourages theft and aids in identification should your bike get stolen. Know your bike’s serial number.In addition, any personalization on your bike (stickers, markings, etc.) should be documented and kept in case your bike is stolen. This will make it easier for police to identify. All of this information should be stored and saved along with purchase receipts, manufacturer’s information, and a photograph of the bicycle. Click here link to bicycle license registration details on the City of Santa Cruz website.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU WITNESS A BIKE THEFT - If you happen to witness a bike theft, either by force or stealth, dial 911 immediately and inform the dispatcher where you are and what is happening. Try to remember as much as you can about the suspect for police reports.
Reporting a theft helps give law enforcement, public officials and property owners the most accurate picture of where thefts occur in our community. This will aid in prevention and enforcement efforts.
![]()
![]()
Bike locking graphics from San Francisco Bicycle Coalition
LOCK YOUR BIKE - Lock your bike at all times, no matter how short of time you will be leaving it. Make sure the lock is attached to the frame of the bicycle and secured to a fixed, immovable object. Invest in a solid hardened steel U-bolt style lock. Cheap ones can be easily defeated. Use additional locks to secure wheels and other parts. Cable locks can be good secondary locks but should not be used as your primary lock.
Secure your bicycle in the garage the same way you would on the street. There is no locking method that is 100% foolproof. With time and tools, a thief can defeat your lock. Bikes left at racks overnight are particularly vulnerable. Bring your bicycle indoors or lock it in your garage whenever possible.
City of Santa Cruz, Finance Department
809 Center Street Room 101
Santa Cruz Fire Department
Station #1 - 711 Center Street
Station #2 - 1103 Soquel Avenue
Station #3 - 335 Younglove Avenue
Santa Cruz Police DepartmentStation #1 - 711 Center Street
Station #2 - 1103 Soquel Avenue
Station #3 - 335 Younglove Avenue
155 Center Street
Registering discourages theft and aids in identification should your bike get stolen. Know your bike’s serial number.In addition, any personalization on your bike (stickers, markings, etc.) should be documented and kept in case your bike is stolen. This will make it easier for police to identify. All of this information should be stored and saved along with purchase receipts, manufacturer’s information, and a photograph of the bicycle. Click here link to bicycle license registration details on the City of Santa Cruz website.
SCPD will routinely discover stolen bikes in the course of our work. SCPD Officers will often look for the bike’s serial number to see if it has been reported stolen. - That is how a recovered stolen bike gets returned to it’s owner. Documenting your bike serial number and reporting the theft is important.
Reporting Theft -
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR BIKE IS STOLEN - If your bike is stolen, file a police report as soon as possible. Call 911 or the report can be filed online click here.WHAT TO DO IF YOU WITNESS A BIKE THEFT - If you happen to witness a bike theft, either by force or stealth, dial 911 immediately and inform the dispatcher where you are and what is happening. Try to remember as much as you can about the suspect for police reports.
Reporting a theft helps give law enforcement, public officials and property owners the most accurate picture of where thefts occur in our community. This will aid in prevention and enforcement efforts.
