MURFREESBORO – Lock it up.

That’s one piece of advice Murfreesboro Police Chief Darrell Rowe has for bicycle owners that live in town.

Over the last few weeks the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald has received phone calls from two different Murfreesboro citizens claiming their bikes were stolen. One individual claimed this was the second bike he’s had taken from him.

Rowe said he was aware of the latter incident and the department was searching for the bike. He added there is no rash of bicycle thefts going on in town, at least “no more than anyone else.”

Rowe also offered some advice as to how to keep your bike safe from theft.

“Firstly, when they’re not using their bike, secure it,” he said.

Rowe said many bikes that are stolen are not locked up.

The second action bicycle owners can take is writing down the serial number.

“People who steal (bikes) paint them right away,” Rowe said.

He continued that if officers do not have the serial number they have nothing to compare to suspected bicycles.

In addition, the MPD has a Murfreesboro Bicycle Registration Program that allows bikes to be registered. All bike owners have to do is bring their bikes down to the police department.

“We’ll affix it with a sticker and take down the serial number,” he said.

Last but not least, Rowe encouraged the community to watch out for their neighbors.