Bicycle Theft Soars In the UK

Put down anything for five minutes these days and it will grow legs and disappear, bicycles are no exception! How many stories have you heard or been involved in where a bicycle was left outside a shop, only to come back and find it has gone.

Bicycle theft has doubled in the UK since the mid 1990s, with reports showing that over half a million bikes are currently stolen every year. With an increasingly unscrupulous society it is becoming more important to protect your belongings including your bicycle.

There are, however ways you can reduce the chances of your bike being stolen:

1. Make a note of the bike's frame number and keep it in a safe place.
2. Take a picture of the bike and keep it in a safe place.
3. Use an ultraviolet marker to mark the frame of the bike.
4. Never leave your bike unlocked, not even when you can see it from where you are. You may think you could chase a thief around the corner but remember he will be on the bike. In addition to this, recent reports suggest you could be lured into a mugging as well.
5. Only use a good quality D-lock. A poor quality lock at the lower end of the market can be easily sawn through or bolt cropped in seconds.
6. Always lock your bike to something immovable or at least as strong as the lock.
7. Make it as difficult as possible to attack the lock with tools (ie turn lock face flush to a wall), and try not to leave room for the jaws of a bolt cropper to operate.
8. If possible, lock the bike with its wheels off the ground. Any action to remove a lock will be that much harder as the bike will bounce.
9. Unless you take part in regular racing, do you really need quick release wheels? There are very handy, but make it exceptionally easy for thieves to take you wheels!
10. Use a locking version of seat post quick-release bolts.
11. Take out specific insurance to cover the bike against theft, loss or damage. In addition you will be covered for any accidents you may have while cycling, particularly if you live in a city where dodging uncaring traffic is part of everyday life.

What to do if your Bike is stolen