Bike theft occurs everywhere, but there are certainly places where it runs more rampant than others. You can see the signs in high theft areas – bikes missing wheels and seatposts, use of heavy-duty locks, and no expensive bikes to be seen locked up on the streets. This is prevalent in high-risk areas like major metropolitan areas and college campuses. In places such as these, using the strongest and most secure locks available will be the best deterrent short of storing your bike inside if possible.
While bike theft might be less common in smaller communities and rural areas, there are opportunistic thieves everywhere and security should be the top concern when purchasing a lock. Even in quiet and “safe” mountain towns, bike thefts still occur, albeit at a lower rate. Regardless of your location, securing your bike with a trustworthy lock is the best way to mitigate bike theft.