Officers:
First of all, use common sense—let’s not leave our bicycles unattended. Sometimes we only want to pop into a shop for a moment; besides, we can see our bicycle, leaning against the building façade, through the shop window… Is it gone? The thief is already riding away on it! A moment of inattention can cost us dearly. After all, bicycles often cost several thousand zlotys. We did have a security cable, but we only went into the shop for a minute.
The police officers add that we absolutely must remember to use suitable bicycle security devices, especially in large cities. Opportunity makes the thief, and a bicycle left unattended is easy prey worth several hundred zlotys.
Which security devices should you choose?
It is also worth taking a moment to discuss security devices. They should have appropriate certifications. Those made of hardened metal, high-carbon steel or cold-forged links work best. A sales assistant at a good bicycle shop will certainly advise us which security devices are the best. Those costing a dozen or so zlotys will not resist a skilled thief for very long.
The police also advise against storing bicycles in stairwells, particularly when the intercom is not working and unauthorized people have unrestricted access to the building.
Moreover, bicycles left loose inside tenement buildings often obstruct access to passageways. In an evacuation, they pose a major difficulty—for example, if someone needs to be carried out of the building on a stretcher or medical bed. Stairwells, landings and stairs should be kept clear—this is in the interest of all residents.
The officers add:
It is also worth taking care of the other valuable items in our possession. Recording the serial numbers of electronic equipment, or the IMEI number in the case of a mobile phone, is very useful when searching for these items later if they are stolen.
Taking photographs, especially of jewelry, also takes little time and may help in recovering it.