by Emily Henry, Alameda Patch
As summer approaches and hibernation gives way to outdoor adventuring, the number of bike thefts in Alameda begins to heat up.

In the first three months of 2011, there have already been 69 stolen bicycles — an increase of 18 from the same period last year. But by the end of the summer, that number will likely increase significantly.

“People need to be more diligent about locking their bikes up and parking them in visible spots,” said Lt. Jill Ottaviano of the Alameda Police Department.

“There are a lot more bikes out in the summer,” explained Bonnie Wehmann, board member of BikeAlameda and education director for the East Bay Bicycle Coalition. “There are also a lot more casual riders that aren’t very serious about locking their bikes up.”

Full story at: The Alameda Patch