Using Targeted Publicity to Reduce Opportunities for Bicycle Theft

Abstract

Throughout Europe various policy targets have recently been proposed to encourage cycling as a sustainable transport alternative. From a criminological perspective, if successful, increases in the population of cyclists may generate increases in the number of opportunities for cycle theft. Although there is little research into bicycle theft compared with other volume crimes, analyses of data from the International Crime Victim Survey indicate that cyclists are around three times more likely to have their bike stolen than car owners their car or motorcyclists their motorbike. In relation to the described policy aims, theft and the fear of bicycle theft are found to discourage cycle use. Consequently, neglecting the crime risks associated with increased cycle usage might impede the achievement of otherwise commendable policy targets. Here we report the findings of two observational studies conducted in different areas to better understand how cyclists park their bicycles in public spaces and whether a simple communication strategy might encourage them to lock in a more secure manner. The results of the first study, conducted across five sites in central London (England) indicated a statistically significant reduction in `bad' locking practices and increases in both `good' and `ok' locking practices at those sites receiving intervention. No changes were observed at the control site. Study 2 was conducted in Brighton, England, and constituted a replication of Study 1. A similar pattern of results was observed. The implications of the findings for preventing bicycle theft, the importance of implementability and maintainability in crime prevention initiatives, and the use of publicity in the prevention of crime are discussed.