Following an increase in thefts of high value bicycles across Carmarthenshire, Police are advising bike owners to tighten up privacy settings on GPS-based ride-sharing platforms, as it is believed thieves may be targeting bikes through information inadvertently being shared by users over the internet.
Police say popular ride-sharing platforms could be a factor in the increase because riders who record their routes using GPS apps do not realise the information is often accessible to anyone online, so thieves can see where regular outings begin and end, indicating an owner’s home address.
DC Ciaran Ryan, of Llanelli CID, said: “Some victims were using websites and mobile phone apps to log their cycle routes. These apps allow users to track their rides and view the rides of others on a map. Some GPS data is shared publicly on these sites and is so accurate it pinpoints the exact house where their rides have begun and ended.”
“This information, along with the facility to post a description and photos of bicycles owned, give a potential thief all the information they need to steal the bike. We are encouraging users of these apps and websites to check their privacy settings to ensure their home address is hidden, and to consider not recording their ride until several streets away from their home address.”
DC Ryan added “Any potential buyers of bicycles are also advised to check the authenticity of any seller, and ask for receipts of purchase or related documentation if possible to ensure bikes are genuine.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Llanelli CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Help keep news FREE for our readers
Supporting your local community newspaper/online news outlet is crucial now more than ever. If you believe in independent journalism, then consider making a valuable contribution by making a one-time or monthly donation. We operate in rural areas where providing unbiased news can be challenging. Read More About Supporting The West Wales Chronicle
