Irvine, CA - How safe is this place?

[wshtb]

I'm moving to Irvine CA in a few months. Does anyone know how safe is this area, especially around UC Irvine campus? I wanted to rent an apartment with private garage to protect my bike. From my research, when all other things equal, a garage will costs about $350 per month in extra. That is $4,200 a year in extra, more than what my bike is worth. Wife is not happy

Someone told my wife that Irvine is very safe and he saw bikes in apartment parking lot all the time. However he doesn't ride so I'm not sure how reliable his advice is.

What do you think? Is Irvine safe enough for bikes to be left in apartment parking lot? Thanks!

[Moldmaker]

Umm yeah, it's a bit warm and fuzzy down there: Safest city in America

But of course, this is a relative assessment. I'm sure people have things stolen in Irvine, and not everyone gets murdered walking the streets of Detroit. Hope this helps.

[ashleymoto]

My Niece goes to UCI walks around at night with no worries. Probably the safest place to live in So Cal.

[silent89]

girlfriend lives in irvine and i feel really comfortable parking my bike there. i still lock it up for good measure, though. hahah just don't feel too comfortable and leave your keys in the ignition. try to get a garage though.

[Research Monkey]

garage it~ even if its the safest city in america that doesnt mean shit doesnt get stolen. LOL!

[fallclassic02]

If you leave it out eventually it will get stolen. Orange County is a real hot spot for sportbikes being lifted.

[laserbrn]

I live in Valencia, Ca. Which is rated WAY up there on the safest cities list. It doesn't matter, thieves have vans. They don't steal bikes from their own neighborhood. My CBR1000RR was stolen, roommates R1 was stolen, Neigbors ZX-14 and 636 BOTH Stolen (from inside his garage).

Get an apartment with a car port and chain it to the supports that hold it up. It's the only thing that has worked for me over the years. When I park in the garage, I still chain my bike up.