Cycle Security – New bike for Christmas?

Cycle security is always an issue with many being stolen from locations including the town centre, residential areas, and educational establishments. Commonly cycles are not secured properly, don’t make it easy for thieves: - 

1. Double lock it - using two locks slows thieves down and makes your bike less of a target. Use two quality locks, at least one of which is a D-lock. Thieves are less likely to carry multiple tools, so use two different types of lock if possible.

2. Lock the lot - lock the frame and both wheels to a secure cycle stand.

3. Secure it - secure your bike as close to the stand as possible to give any thieves little or no room to manoeuvre. 

4. Take removable parts with you - Take parts that are easy to remove with you, such as wheels, lights, baskets, or the saddle. Or use locking skewers or nuts which can increase security by securing the bike's components to the frame permanently. 

5. Park securely - Lock your bike at recognised secure cycle parking. It should be well lit, overlooked and covered by CCTV.

Where do they go? Number of places: - locally, in a container abroad, to another part of the country, stored in premises for later sale or sold as either a cycle or cycle parts via the internet, or third parties.

Look for a "Sold Secure" certified chain and padlock

By taking some appropriate precautions and using good quality security products, and using them well, should help you to keep your property safe. Use the best security you can afford. Don't secure a £2,000 bicycle with a £10-£20 lock! As a guide look to spend 10-15% of the value of the item on its security. Look for a “Sold Secure” certified chain and padlock or “D – Lock” preferably gold rated but certainly not below silver.

Make a note of the frame number, security mark the cycle, there are a number of different methods available such as www.datatag.co.uk , www.bikeregister.com, (others are available and can be found on the Secured by Design website below) and you can register property including cycles free of charge at www.immobilise.com. Take a photograph of the cycle and any areas of damage or marks of identification, some insurance companies may require one with the owner in the picture with it.

Don’t forget at home: 

1) don’t leave garage doors open for long periods showing your expensive cycle and other property, 

2) consider a “Ground anchor” or “Shed shackle” within your shed or garage to secure your cycle to,

3) look at your shed or garages security and ensure you have good locks and that the hinges are protected, 

4) consider a shed alarm.

Check with your insurance company to see what security standards they require for your insurance cover to be valid.