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Ely Police Department warns public of potential bike tampering

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, September 8th 2025 at 19:41 GMT by WDIO
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Ely Police Warn Residents About Rising Bike Tampering Incidents

The Ely Police Department has issued a new public safety alert after a spate of bike‑tampering incidents swept through the town over the past month. Police officials say the trend is not only damaging the community’s popular outdoor recreation space but also posing a potential safety risk to cyclists who may unknowingly ride a bike that has been altered or sabotaged.

What Went Wrong?

According to a press release posted on the department’s official website, Ely Police Department has logged eight confirmed cases of bike tampering between May 15 and June 12. In most of the incidents, a rider reported that the chain had been cut, a lock had been removed, or the frame had been broken at a weak point. In a few cases, the tampering went beyond mere theft; investigators found that parts of the bikes had been removed or replaced with non‑functional components, effectively turning the vehicles into unsafe “dead‑weight” objects.

Chief Alex Martinez, who spoke to WDIO during a briefing, emphasized that the tampering was “unrelated to typical bicycle theft.” “These are individuals who have found a way to damage a bike without taking it, which is both illegal and dangerous. The damage could go unnoticed until the bike is ridden, which can cause accidents,” Martinez warned.

The cases also raised a new type of criminal concern: “intention to sabotage”. One of the victims—a 42‑year‑old recreational rider—reported that his bike had been “stripped of its brakes,” a change that caused the bike to lose stopping power on a downhill stretch of the local trail.

How Cyclists Can Protect Themselves

Police officials have laid out a set of guidelines that residents can follow to reduce the risk of encountering a tampered bike:

1. Inspect Your Bike Thoroughly – Before each ride, check the frame for cracks, loose welds, or missing bolts. Verify that the brake levers are responsive and the tires are inflated properly.
2. Lock Properly – Use a U‑lock or a heavy‑duty chain to secure the frame and the wheel(s). Avoid cheap locks that can be easily cut.
3. Store in Safe Places – If you have a designated spot on a bike rack or in a locked storage shed, keep your bike there when not in use.
4. Report Suspicious Activity – If you see a bike in a locked state that looks damaged or if you witness an individual removing or altering a bike, call the police at 1‑800‑123‑4567 immediately.
5. Educate Others – Share this information with friends and family, especially with teenagers who are frequent riders on the town’s popular trail network.

Police also recommended that the community install additional surveillance cameras in high‑traffic bike parking areas. The department said it is collaborating with the Ely Chamber of Commerce to fund a camera installation program.

A Broader Context

Bike tampering, while relatively new to Ely, has been documented in other mid‑size towns across the country. In a separate link that WDIO followed, the National Bicycle Theft Database reported a 15% increase in tampering incidents nationwide between 2022 and 2023. The database also highlighted that the majority of incidents involve young adult males and occur primarily during late afternoon to early evening hours.

The Ely Police Department is not alone in addressing the problem. Nearby towns in Nevada’s Great Basin region have also seen upticks in similar incidents. The Nevada State Police recently issued a safety bulletin reminding local law enforcement agencies to pay close attention to bike‑related crimes. The bulletin—linked on the state police website—lists best practices for securing bicycles and urges law‑enforcement officers to provide community outreach.

Community Response

The Ely Bike Club, a local non‑profit that hosts weekly rides, expressed both concern and support for the police’s efforts. Club President Maria Gomez said in an interview that the organization has already started a “Bike Safety” workshop that will cover lock‑setting, routine maintenance, and how to recognize tampering. “We want to ensure that our members can enjoy the trails safely,” Gomez said.

In addition, the Ely Rotary Club has pledged to help fund a bike‑security grant program that will subsidize high‑quality locks for residents. The grant, announced by Rotary Chairperson Tony Harlan, will also support the installation of additional bike racks equipped with integrated locks.

What’s Next for Ely Police?

Chief Martinez indicated that the department will keep a closer eye on the situation. “We’re increasing patrols in the most affected areas during peak hours. We’re also looking into collaborating with the local university’s criminal‑justice program to study the motivations behind these acts,” Martinez explained.

Police officers have been instructed to log every tampering incident in the department’s Community Safety Dashboard, a platform that residents can access through the department’s website. The dashboard will show real‑time data on incidents, hotspots, and the outcomes of investigations.

Final Takeaway

While Ely’s streets and trails remain a beloved part of the community, the emerging trend of bike tampering calls for heightened vigilance. By following the guidelines set by the Ely Police Department, riders can protect themselves, preserve the integrity of local bike‑sharing programs, and help curb a new wave of dangerous vandalism. The department’s continued collaboration with local civic groups and state agencies demonstrates a unified effort to keep Ely’s outdoor recreation safe for all.