“When you consider that most bikes today cost anywhere between $500 and $1,200 on average, with high-end models costing much higher, even $2 to $3,000, it’s very important for cyclists to take the time to ensure their bikes are properly locked up,” said Const. Daniel Tallack, of the EPS Whyte Avenue Beats team.
“Unfortunately, many fail to protect these assets with a quality lock and proper storage, and consequently thieves are seen pedaling off into the distance with a smile on their faces.”
In 2016, thieves made off with more than 2000 bikes from back yards, garages, playgrounds and schools across the city. In 2017, a total of 2,171 bikes were snatched by thieves. While YTD stats until June 4th, between 2016 and 2018, show a decline in the number of bikes being stolen over the last couple of years (see numbers below), complainants of stolen bikes continue to keep police extremely busy.
“For the cost of a solid U-shaped lock, cyclists can lower the odds of losing their expensive asset to an opportunistic criminal,” says Const. Tallack. “And if you say to yourself, ‘Oh, I’m only going to be inside for a minute or so….what could possibly happen?’ Think again. It will only take a matter of seconds for a seasoned thief to steal a bike.”
There are multiple ways cyclists can protect themselves from becoming a victim of crime, such as recording the serial number of the bike upon purchase, a proactive step that could help police reunite a rightful owner with their bike if it is located. 
Click here for additional bike protection tips
http://www.edmontonpolice.ca/trafficvehicles/bicyclesafety.aspx
The Edmonton Police Service is reminding cyclists to properly secure their bicycles when at home or out in public, on the heels of close to 600 stolen bikes being reported to police so far this year.