MEDFORD, Ore. -- Bike thefts have become incredibly common in the Rogue Valley of late, to the point that some members of the community try to keep eyes peeled for stolen bikes through social media. However, there are some methods available that might help reduce the number of thefts.

Medford Police are asking everyone with a bike to register it with your local police department. It's free and all you need is a picture of your bike and the serial number. The serial number is usually written on the bottom of the frame.

The agency says that stolen bikes are often found, but when it comes to tracking down the owner, it gets tricky. Registering your bike ensures police can get it back to you if they find it.

NewsWatch12 talked with the owner of Marty's Cycle, Marty Hammond, about how to keep your bike safe. He says that investing in a quality lock is important. Chain-link locks are good because they are hard to cut through.

Hammond says it's important to use tour lock correctly. It needs to do around both wheels and the frame. If you only lock your wheel, Hammond says someone can remove your frame from the wheel within 15 seconds.

"Park it in a public place usually where people are passing by. A lot of people think that if they put it somewhere where it can't be seen, it would be safer but people will be less likely to try something in the open verses behind a building," says Hammond.