A few simple smart steps could help the chances of keeping your bike parked right where it is.

DeKalb Police Lt. Gary Spangler said bike theft incidents occur based on several factors.

“Unfortunately people don’t secure their bikes like they should,” Spangler said. “Most times they’re not locked or they’re left unattended.”

Spangler said the thieves who take the bikes make different choices on what they end up doing with them.

“Some bikes are being sold to others,” Spangler said. “Some use it for transportation or others need it for parts.”

Spangler also added there are situations where stolen bikes are only used to get to a certain part of town then abandoned once the thief reaches their destination.

As for what parts of town are hit hardest, Spangler said it varies year after year.

“This year zone two has been hit the hardest,” Spangler said. “Zone one was hit the hardest in 2008 and zone three was hit hardest in 2009.”

Zone one is the college part of town, two is the shopping area part of town and three is everything south of the train tracks.

For those who have their bikes stolen, getting them registered can help if they are found.

“Registering your bike with the police will help recover the bike by making it easy in locating the owner,” Spangler said.

Spangler gave some advice to prevent bike thefts from happening.

“Make sure the bikes have sturdy locks used with a cable or chain,” he said. “Also make sure the bike is locked to a secure location that won’t move easy. If this happens bike thefts will go down.”

Spangler assures those who use locks not to worry about someone using a bolt cutter to break the locks.

“Your average bike thief is not going to make the effort carrying around a bolt cutter,” he said.