In Portsmouth, bike licenses are two-dollars each, and the city has sold 198 since July. The city of Chesapeake gave away 79 bike tags during 1999. The city of Hampton sold fewer than 50 licenses at 25 cents each. The city of Newport News quit the bike-licensing program. Mowrie says about 10 bikes a week are stolen in Newport News.
Police say bicycle thefts are crimes of opportunity.
The quicker and easier it is for thieves, the better. Police say it s the cheapest insurance you can get for your bike. Here are some basic tips from the police on how to keep thieves away from your bike. Some bike owners even take off the front wheel when parking their bike. Engrave the underside of the frame.