Bike Security Advice
How to keep your bike secure
When buying a bike, budget for security. You will need one or more locks and somewhere secure at home to keep your bike. Make sure you don't buy a stolen bike. By buying a stolen bike you are helping to support the illegal trade in bikes, the next stolen bike to be bought could be yours!
More than half of all bicycle thefts take place from an owner's property. So as well as taking care of your bike when you are out and about, you should think about how safe it is at home.
- Keep your bike in a secure shed or garage and get into the habit of keeping the door locked. If you keep your bike in a shed, make sure you get a robust lock for the door.
- Secure it to an immovable object, or consider installing a floor or wall-mounted anchor lock for extra security.
- If you are going to keep your bike in a communal area, is there anything you can lock it to?
- Keep it out of public view.
- For additional protection, keep your bike locked wherever you leave it at home.
- A good quality bike storage unit will ensure your bike remains just that yours! A good quality locking system and an insurance approved unit is even better.
Out and about
- Avoid leaving your bike in dimly lit or isolated places.
- Leave your bike where a potential thief can be easily seen.
- Always lock your bicycle, even if you are just leaving it for a couple of minutes. Think about using two different types of lock, see advice on Locks on in our site
- Inform the police if you have your bike stolen; you can report the theft by phone or in person at your local police station. Ask for a crime reference number. This will help you trace the progress of your case and may be needed for your insurance claim. Find out about/take part in local cycling initiatives, to raise awareness of cycle security.
- Contact your local crime prevention officer, local authority,
- employer or the land owner about the installation of cycle parking where secure anchorages are insufficient or nonexistent.
- Don't create a market in which thieves can operate.
If no one bought stolen bikes there would be no reason to steal them.