After a number of bicycle thefts this month and earlier this summer, the Maplewood police has posted some anti-theft tips on their Web site.

Most of the advice is fairly intuitive—they recommend chaining up bicycles when they're outside and locking garage doors when they are stored.

The police say that bike theives are often juveniles, and that they will frequently ride two to a bike, looking for unsecured bicycles. Bikes, police say, can be sold for quick cash on the street.

The tips are included below.

The Maplewood Police Department would like to remind all bicycle owners to secure and lock their bikes, both on the road and at home. We are in the midst of the warmer part of the year when the vast majority of bike thefts historically take place. Most thefts occur when bikes are left unattended and unsecured without a bike lock. In addition, residents have had bikes taken from open and unsecured garages, porches, and screen rooms. You can follow these simple rules to help keep your bike safe and secure:

1)      ALWAYS lock your bike with a good quality heavy duty bike lock. Cheap and flimsy locks can easily be defeated, so spending a little bit more on a quality lock is definitely worth the expense.

2)      If you keep your bike in a garage, close the door and lock it when storing your bike. An open garage door is an open invitation to a bike thief.

3)      Do not leave your bike unattended ANYWHERE without a bike lock. It only takes a few seconds for a thief to hop on it and ride it away.

4)      Bike thefts are often committed by juveniles who frequently ride two to a bike looking for another one to steal. Others are committed by opportunist criminals looking to sell the bike on the street for quick cash. Either way, if you observe any suspicious activity involving bicycles, or if you notice juveniles under 17 years of age riding without helmets, please call the police immediately and allow us to investigate.