RBPD starts new bike registry program
Thefts up 21 percent in 2020
In response to a 21 percent increase in bicycle thefts over the previous year, the Redondo Beach Police Department launched a revamped bike registry program Sept. 2.
The update eliminates the $4 charge to register bicycles and their serial numbers.
“We’re just trying to get as much information as possible to give our officers an edge in the field,” said Kyle Lofstrom, RBPD community-based officer. “The target-rich environment makes us want to get ahead of a problem.”
Last year, 193 bikes were reported stolen in Redondo Beach, according to police records. So far this year, 117 bike thefts have been recorded.
Lofstrom noted the rise of E-bikes increases the importance of registering bikes.
“It’s a new market, a new item,” he said, citing the more parts to strip and sell.
The program update cuts out the previous sticker that went on registered bicycles, which was thought to bring more attention — an incentive for thieves to find and scratch off the serial number, if not the sticker. ER