EUGENE, Ore -- Eugene Police are reminding bicycle owners to register their bikes to prevent theft.

EPD says registering your bike is fast and free for Eugene residents and can be done so online. Police say it's also important to make sure you have your serial number and a photo of your bicycle is also a good idea.

For any one who is not a resident of Eugene, you can register your bike at project529.com or bikeindex.org.

Jeff Blondé, a program manager with EPD joined Sean Cuellar on KEZI 9 News Midday for a live interview. Blondé offered other bike theft prevention tips which include the following:

Purchase a quality U-bolt style lock and make sure you always lock your bike. Consider using multiple locks, so the frame and tires are protected. Lock your bike to a fixed, immovable object, using the rear triangle portion of the bicycle frame. When possible, remove "quick release" or easily removable items from your bicycle. Make sure your bike is locked in a well-lit, high traffic, secure location. Never leave your bike in a rack overnight.

Bike theft is a crime of opportunity, so don't leave your bike unsecured, even for "just a couple of seconds." Click here for a link to additional bicycle theft prevention and registration information on EPD's website.