Williamstown police have warned of a spike in bike thefts, especially around railway stations, with an average of one bike a day being stolen in Hobsons Bay.
Acting Sergeant Russell King said bike thefts were happening at all railway stations, but particularly Newport, Spotswood and Williamstown Beach.
“We’re urging people to make sure bikes are locked up with a secure lock and also to record the serial numbers of their bikes … so we can follow it up if it’s possible.
“As part of a theft report, we do check eBay and Gumtree and places like that, but my belief is that they’re being stolen by people with drug habits and they will swap it for a drug deal or 20 bucks from anyone in the street or down the pub.”
Maribyrnong’s Inspector Michelle Young said thieves were cutting through bike chains, and she encouraged people to consider locking their bikes in Parkiteer cages located at many stations.
Newport has one Parkiteer cage and Laverton has two, all of which are full daily, according to Bicycle Network representatives. Both stations have individual bike lockers and Laverton has five bike racks.
Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said demand for bike parking was high across the metropolitan network, but particularly on the Werribee-Williamstown line. She said PTV was always looking to make improvements.
