Bike theft in Toulouse: “There are sales channels”, explains a specialist
Bicycle theft is on the rise in Toulouse. For Jean Venet, founder of a start-up specializing in miniature GPS plotters, real channels have been organized to steal and dispose of bicycles.
What is the traditional pattern of bicycle theft in Toulouse?
It is above all a theft of opportunism. A bike that is poorly attached, or left without a padlock while you go to the bakery to buy your baguette. The theft happens in seconds. Over the past four to five years, larger-scale practices have been developed. Thieves are more equipped, they do not hesitate to cut the locks with portable electric saws.
What happens to stolen bikes?
Thanks to our company’s tracers, small electronic boxes hidden in the frame of the bike, we can follow the path of stolen bikes. We note that bicycles remain relatively accessible at first. Either hidden on the public highway, behind a grove, or in the possession of the thief, who will use it near his home, exhibit it. Secondly, the bike will be stored, waiting to be returned. It will no longer move “like a bicycle”.
Is that when the victim can call in the police?
We have succeeded with the police in chasing a vehicle that was carrying dozens of bicycles. We obtain a rate of 60% of bicycles found. Without a tracer, this rate is marginal, of the order of 2 or 5% maximum. In general, bicycles are found for sale in markets, or on websites.
The city of Toulouse plans to equip bicycles with GPS trackers to participate in the fight against theft. What do you think ?
It is most encouraging. We met with officials a few months ago to provide our expertise on the subject. To implement such a project, you need a lot of preparation, coordination with the police forces. It’s not just about catching the thief on the sly. You have to be ready to implement the great means.