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Miami Beach Police Trying To Crack Down On Bike Thefts

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MIAMI BEACH (CBSMiami) – Bike thefts are a growing problem in many cities across the country.

That includes Miami Beach where many residents and visitors use bikes to get around easily.

"I go out with my kids sometimes, it's a fun thing to do," one woman told CBS4. "And it's something the Miami Beach community does a lot."

The woman wanted to stay anonymous, fearing possible retaliation after a man recently stole her $900 bike from her Miami Beach condo building.

Surveillance video showed the man get off his own bike, jump the building's fence and into the parking garage below. He changed his clothes then took off with the woman's bike before a security guard ran him off.

"Before apparently they were stealing bikes that people used to leave outside," the woman tells CBS4 reporter Donna Rapado.  "But now the fact is that somebody coming inside our property and coming inside your building to steal bicycles."

She worries the thefts could lead to worse crimes.

"At the time many residents were going inside the parking garage.  It could start by something like this.  But eventually it could become a problem of home invasions. I'm really concerned about that," she explained.

Police picked up the bike the thief left behind and collected the video with the man on it.

They also pointed out in Miami Beach from January 2015 to September 2015 thieves stole a reported 310 bicycles.

"They sell them for $15, $20 and get whatever amount of money they can," said Officer Ernie Rodriguez.

He explained you can minimize the chances of getting your wheels stolen by locking the bike in a well-lit area and use a strong, solid lock.   Also, take a picture of the bike and record its serial number.

Officer Rodriguez also said that in an effort to curb bike thefts the Miami Beach Police Department is starting a new campaign in the coming weeks, making it easier for people to register their bikes with the department in case it's stolen.

"If we don't have that serial number we're not able to enter it into a system," Rodriguez said.  "And that's key when we stop these known offenders who might be on a newer bike that you know isn't even theirs."

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