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The Asbury Park Police Department has launched a bicycle registration program.

“In light of the recent rash of stolen bicycles in the city, the Asbury Park Police Department has launched a free, voluntary online bicycle registration campaign,” Deputy Chief David Kelso said in a written statement. “This campaign will allow city residents to voluntarily register their bicycles online.”

Close to 50 stolen bicycle incident reports have been made this summer, Kelso said. They included locked and unlocked bicycles.

In the last couple weeks alone, police offers assigned to combat the bicycle thefts have made at least 12 arrests; three juveniles and nine adults, Kelso said. Three juveniles were arrested for trespassing, and three adults were arrested on warrants as a result of the details, Kelso said. Six adults also were arrested for being in receipt of stolen property.

The registration process is quick, convenient and free of charge, Kelso said.

Residents are asked to supply their address, contact telephone number, bicycle description, including make and model, identifying marks, and a photo of the vehicle and its serial number.

Kelso said the department will then create a database of all registered bicycles.

“We strongly encourage residents to lock/secure their bicycles when they are not riding them, to help prevent bicycle thefts,” he said. “However, if your bicycle does become stolen, having it registered will aid in the police investigation and will help get the bicycle returned to its rightful owner once it has been located.”

The bicycle registration program was launched with the help of Sgt Terry Williams of the Community Policing Unit and Joe Dellargione, the City’s Network Administrator.  

“I would like to thank [them] with helping to get this program underway,” Kelso said.

To register and for more information, click here.

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