Bike theft prevention
Ensure your prized possession is protected
Whilst it’s impossible to completely eliminate the risk of your bike being stolen, there are a few steps you can take to minimise this risk and avoid having to make a claim.
Register your prized possession
It’s vital you register your bike. Not only can this deter thieves, it will also assist the police in identifying your bike and increase the chances of it returning home.
Several companies offer bike identification and it doesn’t cost a penny. Bikeregister.com is the UK's leading online bicycle registration initiative which is aimed at reducing bicycle theft and is used by every police force.
Get the best lock money can buy
Under most insurance policies, you won’t be covered for bike theft if the lock isn’t approved. Therefore, it makes sense to invest in the best lock you can afford. Why spend thousands of pounds on a new bike and not take the proper precautions to safely secure it?
Here’s our advice on the best locks around and what to look for. Remember, you get what you pay for when it comes to locks. A cheap looking lock will offer little security and can make your bike an easy target for potential thieves.
All lock manufacturers have their own protection rating and are a reasonable indicator of lock strength. In most cases, the better the lock, the more expensive it will be –so it pays to be properly protected.
Know how to keep your bike safe
Do you leave your bike in isolated spots? Do you lock your bike against an object that can be moved? Do you leave your bike unlocked even if it’s just for a moment?
If the answer to any of the questions is yes, then you shouldn’t as all of these scenarios increase the risk of your bike being stolen. Even if your bike is securely locked, try and keep it somewhere where you can keep an eye on it.
Bikes can be lifted from almost anywhere, but some areas are more popular targets among thieves than others.
On-street parking is the most vulnerable spot for bikes being stolen when out and about, but there are many other areas too. According to statistics, two-thirds of thefts in the UK occur in and around the victim’s home – most notably outbuildings such as sheds and garages.
Many cyclists don’t secure their bikes once they return home, because they believe their property is enough of a deterrent against bike thieves. But it’s not. When you return home, make sure your bike is properly secured inside your home or outbuilding.
Lock your bike correctly
Even if you have the best rated, most expensive bike lock available, it’s not going to do its job if you don’t know how to use it properly. There are many elements to locking a bike correctly, some of which you may not be familiar with.
Find out more about the best ways to lock your bike and keep it as safe as possible.
