Protect Your Bike From Theft
With a rise in sustainable living, cycling is becoming more popular with around 1.7 million people cycling on a daily basis in the UK. In 2021 64,500 bicycle thefts were reported in the UK, to ensure you don’t become a part of that number follow our top tips.
Parking your Bike
When it comes to parking your bike in public places you don’t want to leave it anywhere. There are lots of options including train stations, and city bike cages that allow you to lock up your bike and keep it secure. Keeping your bike in a well-lit public place will decrease the chance of it being stolen as there are likely to be witnesses. For more information on safe spots to park your bike check your local councils website.
Lock up your Bike
Once you’ve picked your parking spot you need to lock up your bike because an unlocked bike only takes seconds to steal. Getting the right lock is important for preventing your bike from being stolen. Police recommend using a D lock or multiple locks meaning that breaking it will require more time or more equipment. A weak lock can be broken quite easily so it pays to invest in a good quality lock. In addition to a strong lock, it’s important to make sure you attach the lock in the correct place. Use the lock to attach the wheels and frame to an immovable object that can not be lifted or removed.
Keeping your Bike safe at home
Around half the number of bikes that are stolen are stolen from the owner’s home. Because of this it’s important to keep your bike locked up and secure even on your property. We suggest securing your bike to an anchor when it’s inside a garage or flat so it is doubly secure. Additionally, keep your bicycle out of view eg away from windows or inside.
Bicycle Insurance and Registration
Just in case the worst was to happen it’s worth registering your bike. Immobilise is a free way to mark your bicycle so should it be stolen or lost it can be identified and returned. It’s also a good idea to have insurance for your bike.