From the Lee County Sheriff’s Office

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a number of high-end bike thefts. Often criminals just cut off the locks and remove them from bike racks, open garages or car ports. There are number of precautions you can take to secure your bicycle:

• Take a picture of your bike and log the serial number. You can also place a marking (your initials or phone number) somewhere on the bike, so if it’s stolen, we can link it back to you.
• If you are going to invest in a high-end bike or electric bike, please have a plan to secure and/or store it.
• Lock it up with a quality lock.
• In addition, you may want to invest in a GPS bike tracker. Bike trackers will help you locate your missing bike. Most trackers now cost considerably less than a new bicycle, making them a worthwhile investment.

Please remember to always put your safety first. Never attempt to retrieve a stolen bicycle by yourself. If your bike is stolen, notify The Lee County Sheriff’s Office, make them aware of the fact that the bike has been fitted with a tracking device, and provide them with the information they need to retrieve your bike. A reminder, our non-emergency number is (239) 477-1000. If you witness a crime in progress, call 911. Take care and be safe.