VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Vancouver Police say there’s been a major jump in thefts of scooters and electric bikes in recent months, prompting them to urge people to lock up their ride.

“We know that warm weather and expensive gas means people are choosing alternative ways to get around town. They’re fun, they’re affordable but they’re also very easy to steal,” says Constable Steve Addison.

“Scooters and electric bikes accounted for more than 20% of all vehicles stolen in Vancouver between May 5th and June 1st and the total number has doubled compared to the previous four weeks.”

13 gas-powered scooters, seven electric bikes, and three electric scooters were stolen in Vancouver in May alone.

“Thieves will take anything they can get their hands on. Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep your scooter safe,” adds Addison.

The Vancouver Police Department is offering five tips to protect your scooter or e-bike:

Lock your scooter to a fixture so it can’t be easily lifted and carried away.

Use a disc brake locking mechanism to prevent it from being rolled away.

Don’t leave your spare key anywhere on the bike, including in the storage compartment under the seat.

Use the handlebar locking mechanism and factory alarm.

Gas prices are the topic for NEWS 1130’s Around the City second town hall on June 24th. We’ll have a panel of experts talk about how we’re dealing with paying so much at the pump.