Is Q2 peak bike lock selling season? Study reveals when bike theft rockets

Do you shift more product in the bike lock ranges in Q2 than any other period of the year? Well there is a reason for that, according to a study of a decade’s worth of crime statistics.

Bicycle theft peaks in Q2, occurring 25% more often in Q2 than any other time of the year, with an average of 6,500 more occurrences each year. That’s according to criminal defence specialist JD Spicer Zeb, which has evaluated a decade of police data.

With the seasonal nature of the bicycle market, it’s perhaps not that large a surprise to see higher rates of bicycle theft when bicycles are typically more visible and prevalent, like Q2. But it’s perhaps a nugget of data worth sharing with your customers who are chewing over whether to buy a decent lock or not.

CyclingIndustry.News’ latest Market Data survey revealed that security upgrades (including locks and trackers) were not a huge priority for customers looking to upgrade bike parts, which suggests there may be an opportunity to grow sales in that genre of product in Q2.

Umar Zeb, Partner at JD Spicer Zeb, said: “Crime rates rise and fall throughout the years for a number of economic and social reasons. For example, when there is political unrest, there may be more criminal activity, including assault, violent protest, and offences against the State.

“Ultimately, it’s interesting to consider how the season could also have an impact. There have even been studies surrounding the effects higher temperatures during the summer period may have on crime rates.

“Although there are no universally applicable answers to why crime rates may increase during the summer months, some possible reasons for a perceived increase in crime during this time could include a rise in inebriated socialising, increased population and tourism, school holidays, and a rise in criminal opportunities.”

The Bicycle Association recently published a set of guidlines around bike theft.