Bike enthusiasts in Moncton, N.B., are turning to social media to spread the word about thefts, hoping that more people will be on the lookout for bike thieves.

Alex Madsen recently had his bike stolen.

It was locked to his front deck with a titanium lock. When thieves couldn't cut the lock they damaged his front porch railing and took the bike.

Madsen posted a picture of the bike online and was surprised at how fast the word got around.

"I got 800 shares, locally, for my bike — 800 — and that by no means is a high number compared to other people who have gotten others shares on Facebook. People resonate with bicycle theft and they just feel a kinship with it because it's probably happened to them and they know how much it stinks," he said.

RCMP Const. Damien Thériault said bike thefts should be reported because it helps police see where thefts are occurring in the city.

"Even though we may not be able to trace it back, at least we know there is activity going on in certain areas of the city which allows us to be a bit more proactive about it," he said.

Madsen said more people are turning to social media with descriptions and pictures of stolen bikes.

He hopes that will make people think twice before committing theft.