The recent rash of bicycle thefts is turning into a stealing spree.

Up to two or three bikes are being stolen during the day, according to Austin Police Chief Brian Krueger. The thefts, occurring more and more over the past three weeks, have gotten “pretty much out of control,” Krueger said.

There’s no pattern to the bike thefts, though there are reports of bikes stolen out of open garages or because the bikes weren’t locked up. Police are putting extra coverage at the Austin Municipal Pool and Austin High School, areas where bike thefts are most reported.

Police cited a 14-year-old for bike theft yesterday after a 17-year-old reported their metallic blue Mongoose BMX bike stolen. Officers were heading to another call when they spotted the 14-year-old on a similarly colored bike as the one reported stolen. They stopped the 14-year-old at the area of 10th Street and Second Avenue NW, reclaimed the bike and issued a citation.

Krueger said police are doing everything they can to stop the thefts but encourage people to lock up their bikes and close their garages during the day.