The Eugene Police Department reported that from January through March of 2012, 106 bikes were stolen. In that same time frame for this year, 174 bikes were stolen, making the increase of stolen bikes up to 64 percent.

To avoid your bike from being stolen, EPD spokesperson Melinda McLaughlin suggests to buy the most durable lock you can find, preferably a U-bolt. Even in places — garages, storage units and apartments — you think would be a secure place for your bike, she says that a number of bikes have still been stolen, so be sure to secure you bike at all times.

Make sure to register your bike with the EPD and the University of Oregon Police Department. If your bike gets stolen, the EPD and UOPD won’t have to waste any time asking you descriptive details about the bike because they’ll have everything they need on file to start the investigation immediately.

With 846 bikes stolen in 2011 and 848 in 2012, it’s important to consider these tips to ensure the safety of your own bike.