To date (knocking on digital wood) I have yet to be a victim of any bicycle related crime – other than once briefly owning a pair of white leg warmers. I wouldn’t consider myself especially lucky in that respect but according to crime data over 376,000 bicycles are stolen each year, which is roughly one every 90 seconds.
Collectively terrified by this data, we spoke to Cycleplan MD John Woosey who gave us a few more facts and figures. “More than half of all cycle thefts in the UK occur in and around the victim’s home, most notably from gardens, passageways between houses and outbuildings such as sheds and garages. Despite this, only 5% of home content’s policies cover cycles outside of the home as standard.”
According to BikeRegister, the national cycle database, London is the most targeted city followed by Edinburgh and Oxford. Within London the SW postcodes fall foul of the most thefts, followed by SE and N1. It’s worth noting some adjoining areas have vastly differing rates of theft: SE16 has less than half as many thefts as neighbouring SE1.
It perhaps comes as no surprise to see that Specialized hold seven of the top ten most stolen bikes. Top place goes to the Specialized Sirrus, no doubt due to the sheer volume sold and the Brompton M3L in sixth due to its desirability.
What about those of us who have to lock up our bikes? Is there any hope? Well it’s back to John from Cycleplan with some sage advice.
1. Buy the best approved lock money can buy
Why spend thousands of pounds on a new bike and not take the proper precautions to safely secure it?
Remember, you get what you pay for when it comes to locks. A cheap looking lock will offer little security and be an easy target for a bike thief. All lock manufacturers have their own protection rating and are a reasonable indicator of strength. In most cases, the better the lock, the more expensive it will be.
The majority of bike locks are rated on a ‘Sold Secure’ scale and are given a podium style rating of Bronze, Silver or Gold. Unsurprisingly, Bronze is the weakest and Gold is the strongest.
What you must realise is that bike insurance policies won’t pay out on your stolen bike if you use anything less than an approved locking device. In the unfortunate event that your bicycle is stolen it is a requirement of the cycling insurance policy that it was secured using the appropriate “Sold Secure” lock. Check your policy for details.
2. Pick wisely where you lock your bike
Don’t leave your bike in an isolated spot. Secure it in a well-lit area, where people are constantly passing. If you can, keep an eye out for CCTV and lock it close by.
3. Lock your bike to something secure
This catches so many cyclists out. Always make sure you attach your bike to something that can’t be moved, lifted or easily broken. A scaffolding pole may require a hefty chain saw to cut through it, but it only needs a couple of tools to loosen the joint and lift the pole up altogether. Mesh fencing looks big and bold, but a pair of wire cutters would break through it within moments. Remember, your bike is only secure as what you are attaching it to.
4. Efficient locking
Lock the frame, front and back wheel to the object you have secured it to. If you only have one lock, remove the front wheel, and then lock both together with the frame. Ensure the D- lock is securely fastened. Don’t leave it hanging loose between the bike and the object you have locked it to as this will allow the thief more manoeuvrability in and around your bike to create enough leverage to force open the lock.
5. Two different locks are better than one
The word ‘different’ is the important factor here. Two different types of locks mean that thief will need to use two different types of tools to prise them open. While it is possible, it’s highly unlikely a thief with have a number of high-end tools with them. One D-lock and a chain lock is a worthy opponent for any bike thief.
6. Remove accessories
If you can, take all accessories with you. A bicycle is far less appealing without lights and wheels attached to it. A lot of thieves steal bikes and literally ride off on them. Remove the seat post too, and it makes it incredibly hard for a thief to take off. Remember if you’re worried, you can get insurance cover for your cycling accessories.
7. Register your bike
It’s important you register your bike. Not only can it help deter thieves, it will also assist the police in identifying the bike and increase the chances of your bike 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 that is aimed at reducing bicycle theft and is used by every police force.
8. Insure it
As well as covering against theft, specialist cycling insurance also covers against vandalism and accidental damage. You can also insure for personal accident and pubic liability so you’re covered if you’re involved in an incident. Cycleplan.co.uk offers a 20% discount for first year customers.