Bike thefts also jumped 17% last January – compared to the month prior – as thousands of cycling fans flocked to the annual Tour Down Under race, police figures show.

RAA Insurance claims manager Hayley Cain says this week is ‘all about cycling but nothing can ruin a rider’s day more than returning to find their bike stolen’.

Bicycles can be a tempting target for thieves, with some insured by RAA worth up to $8000.

Robbers will also steal lights, wheels, helmets and quick-release seats, Ms Cain says.

While not all robberies were reported, police figures show Adelaide City Council is the most popular site for bike thieves, followed by Charles Sturt, Port Adelaide Enfield, Onkaparinga and Marion councils.

‘During the past two financial years almost 17% of all reported bike thefts in the state occurred in Adelaide council,’ Ms Cain says.

There are several reasons the Adelaide CBD is a hot spot for bike thieves.

‘This is because many workers and students ride into the CBD on a regular basis and the number of cyclists swells during the Tour Down Under events,’ she says.

The figures also show Glenelg, Bowden, Salisbury and Warradale suburbs among the top five postcodes for bike thefts during the past two financial years.

‘It’s important bike owners check the policy conditions of their insurance, as it may only cover the bike when it is in your home and not when it is in use,’ Ms Cain says.

Cyclists could limit thieves’ opportunity to steal their bike from home or while it’s in public locations, she adds.

Tips for deterring bike thieves

• Use a quality lock (preferably two locks of different types if in a high-risk area or you have detachable wheels or seat) as thieves often use bolt cutters and pliers.
• If you must leave it outdoors, park it in an open, well-lit area and lock it to a fixed object.
• Using a steel U-shaped lock and cable, lock your bike to a fixed object and wind the cable through both tires and the frame, leaving as little space as possible within the ‘U’ of the lock.
• Keep the lock off the ground and face the keyhole towards the ground.

• Remove the front wheel and lock both the wheel and the frame together if it’s a quick-release wheel.
• Take your bike seat and accessories with you if they’re easily removable and/or expensive.
• When you’re at home, keep the bike inside in a locked shed or use an asset protector.
• Engrave your bike frame and take photos of the bike and accessories.