Several Bikes Stolen from Train Station

Four bikes were reported stolen from the Maplewood Train Station in the last month, according to police. So far, none of the bikes have been recovered.

"We've had problems over the last few years," said Det. Lt. Michael Marucci, "but this is particularly bad." He said the thefts tend to come in spurts. "One man (who stole bikes) was plaguing us for years, but he's in county jail now," he said.

Marucci urges riders to invest in a sturdy lock. Still, he said that it is sometimes impossible to prevent a theft. "Bolt cutters can defeat anything."

On Maplewood Online, a poster named "andrewri" wrote that his bike was recently stolen from the train station. Several posters recommended using U locks, rather than cables, which can be cut more easily.

Cody LaCosta, senior sales associate at High Gear Cyclery in Millburn, also recommends U locks, which are "heavy duty, like a big chain." LaCosta also said that riders can remove their seat posts if they are concerned the seat will be stolen.

In 2009, Maplewood Patch first reported on Since then, bike ridership has increased, in part because of the township's .

Marucci said he had checked the train station earlier this week, and "there's a milllion bikes up there."

Marucci urged citizens to report any suspcious activity they note at the train station. "If you see someone (loitering) near the bikes, call us," he said. "Let us decide if there's anything to it. We will handle it with tact."

Here are tips from the Maplewood Police Department on how to prevent bike theft:

1)      ALWAYS lock your bike with a good quality heavy duty bike lock. Cheap and flimsy locks can easily be defeated, so spending a little bit more on a quality lock is definitely worth the expense.

2)      If you keep your bike in a garage, close the door and lock it when storing your bike. An open garage door is an open invitation to a bike thief.

3)      Do not leave your bike unattended ANYWHERE without a bike lock. It only takes a few seconds for a thief to hop on it and ride it away.

4)      Bike thefts are often committed by juveniles who frequently ride two to a bike looking for another one to steal. Others are committed by opportunist criminals looking to sell the bike on the street for quick cash. Either way, if you observe any suspicious activity involving bicycles, or if you notice juveniles under 17 years of age riding without helmets, please call the police immediately and allow us to investigate.