Anyone who relies on a bike for their main mode of transportation has probably had at least one set of wheels stolen in the city that's been dubbed the bike theft capital of Canada and some have even gone so far as to proclaim Toronto as the bike theft capital of the continent.

Approximately 4,000 bicycles were reported stolen last year but because many people don't report the thefts, authorities believe that number could probably be about twice as high.

Toronto Police are hoping to get a better handle on the people stealing bikes and why by placing bait bicycles equipped with homing devices near the University of Toronto, which is a major hot spot for thieves.

"We've caught individuals with the broken lock in their hand or the cut lock in their hand and riding away on the bicycles," Toronto Police Det. Lesley Dunkley explained.

Toronto Police are holding hundreds of stolen bikes but they can't return them to their rightful owners because the cyclists didn't take the time to register their two-wheelers.

While it's important for cyclists to register their main mode of transportation, it's also very important to scout out the safest places to lock it up. Some other hot spots for thieves include outside the Eaton Centre and around City Hall.

"It really sucks because I mean it's a transportation mode that a lot of people use,"
a U of T student named Emily said. "It's a lot of money. It costs a lot to buy a bike, and every time you get it stolen it's another 500 bucks."

--Lock your bicycle to an immovable object which can't be easily cut or broken. Make sure the lock isn't flimsy and that it covers both wheels.

--Consider using two locks instead of one. A thief may be able to get through a single device while no one's watching. But two could slow him down enough to make him think about pedaling his criminal plans elsewhere.

--Don't let padlocks hang low enough to be smashed against the ground with a hammer. And don't leave enough room for a crowbar when you tighten your lock against the wheels.

--Never leave accessories like lights, odometers and bags unattended with your bicycle.

--Register your bike's serial number with police. If it's stolen and they recover it, they'll return it to you. To get the necessary form in .pdf format, click here. You can also put identifying marks in secret places that only you would know as a means of identification.

--Keep a photo of your bike.

--Always lock your bike, no matter how long you'll be gone.

--Put your bike in a locked garage or in your house when you're not riding it. Anyone can get it from your yard.

--Never hide your bike in the bushes. It's the first place crooks look.

--Don't lend your bike to people you don't know. They may not ride it back.

--Take your bike seat with you if you have one of those 'quick release' models.

--Use bike racks in well-lit areas or where there are other two wheelers parked.