By By KATHIE HEMPEL / Niles Daily Star
NILES – Many bikes have already been reported stolen this year. Niles Police report averaging five to 10 reported bike thefts once the spring weather hits.
Lt. Fulton Moore of the Niles Police Department wants residents to know it just is not necessary.
"Each year we end up having at least two auctions. Two and three hundred dollar bicycles won't even sell for $25 at auction. It's a shame," he said.
The City of Niles offers free registration of bikes. It only takes five or 10 minutes and with the registration recorded with LEIN, the bike is then easily recovered if stolen.
Police will even go to your house to register them.
"If you get a new bike, call the department at 683-1313. Give dispatch your name and address. When an officer is on patrol in the area they will swing by and register the bike for you," Lt. Fulton said.
"The National Bike Association has just come up with a new directory where bike owners can register the serial number of their bike. If the bike is then stolen, police will be able to match the number with the owner and arrange for its return," Mike Jones, owner of Cycle and Fitness, 1507 Niles Ave in St. Joseph, said.
To register your bike, go to www.nationalbikeregistry.com. A family registration is available for up to five bikes for a cost of $25.