Police Encourage Locals to 'P.E.D.A.L.' to Help Stop Bike Thefts in Annapolis

Annapolis police say the key to helping prevent so many local bike thefts is to just P.E.D.A.L.

That is, Photograph, Engrave, Document And Lock.

P.E.D.A.L. is an acronym the police department came up with to remind people of four simple steps bike owners can take that make a big difference in the event of a theft.

"P" stands for photograph.

"Photograph your bicycle--just use your cell phone, and include photos of any writing on your bicycle, or anything distinctive, and the serial number," police said.

"E" is for engrave. Police encourage bike owners to engrave personal information like your name or phone number on the frame of the bicycle.

"D" is for document.

"Document all the details of your bicycle--make, model, serial number, color," police say. This can be done online with the Watch Your Bike program at www.annapolis.gov/police.

Finally, "AL" is for "and lock."

"Lock your bike to a fixed object when you are out and about. And when you're home, make sure you place your bike out of public view, or put it in a locked garage or shed, or use a lock to secure it," police advise. "Even leaving your bicycle unattended and unlocked for a few minutes can leave it open to thieves."