Pedal bikes are often stolen due to the ease in which they can be stolen and sold on, however there are a few things that can be done to make this harder and to protect your bike.
Things to consider when you first buy your bike
- Make a record of your bike; consider photographing it and record any details such as a serial number.
- Mark the frame e.g. add your postcode and house number using a UV pen.
- Add the details to a third party company such as Bike Register (see link in Related Information), this can help with recovering your bike if it does get stolen.
- Consider insurance.
Securing your bike
- Where possible secure it out of sight, if this is not possible use something solid such as railings, a lamp-post or specifically designed cycle railings.
- Consider the area you are leaving it i.e. is it well lit? does it have CCTV?
- Some places such as a train or bus station may have secure sheds, specifically built to securely store bikes. Utilise these if available.
- If the bike is equipped with quick release wheels, then taking the front wheel off and locking it to the frame and back wheel may be beneficial.
Cycle locks
- Buy the best locks you can afford.
- Locks that are made of a loop of solid metal are considered the best.
- Locks that come with a Sold Secure badge are generally recommend by the police.
- If possible, using two different locks is a good idea. This increases the tools a thief would need to use.
