Bicycle Security - Crime Prevention

Good Afternoon,

Your Local Policing Team are sharing a quick crime-prevention tips to help keep our belongings and communtity safe. A few simple steps can make a big difference in tackleing thefts anf protecting your items.

When leaving your cycle or e-bike in a public place, always remember to secure it with a security approved product – cheap cable locks won't stop a thief as they can be removed in seconds. However owners of e-bikes need to be aware that the theft of e-bikes and batteries are increasingly being targeted as their popularity and demand for them grows.

We all need to store our bikes safely, even at home, and the theft of bikes from sheds and garages continues to be a problem, as they often house multiple bikes so can be easy picking for thieves.

1. Register it

A bike carrying a database label or stamp is a highly effective, visible deterrent to bike thieves, as they know that if they are caught with a registered bike they will be arrested as the owner can be traced by the police within seconds.

2. Record it

Remember to record as many details of your bike as you can, such as the make, model, size, colour, frame number (normally found underneath the bike between the pedals and take a photo for the record.

3. Security mark it

Security marking your bike using a recognised forensic asset marking or etching kit is another highly effective, visible deterrent to thieves and an established method of reducing theft.

4. Double-lock it, secure it and lock the lot

It can take thieves as little as a few seconds to cut through some locks. Double locking is the best protection for locking any bike. However, we recognise this is not always possible or practicable at times.

5. Remove the removable bits

E-bike batteries are designed to be easily removed for charging, which is convenient for you, but can also be very convenient for a bike thief.. Locking methods vary and whilst on some models it is possible to lock in the battery to the e-bike.

6. Park secure

When parking your bike in a public place you need to consider many factors, including your own personnel safety and the security of your bike.

Lock your bike at recognised secure cycle parking. It should be well lit, overlooked and if possible covered by CCTV.

7. Keep valuables secure when cycling

Always keep your valuables secure when cycling. Don't put them in open baskets or panniers.

8. Be aware of your surroundings

Always pay attention to your surroundings, especially whilst stationary. Thieves target unsuspecting cyclists for both their valuables, such as mobile phones and their bikes.

9. Remember safety begins at home

Many bikes are stolen at home, mainly from sheds and garages. You should take the same care to lock your bike securely at home as you would on the street.

10. Remember to keep your bike safe when travelling by car

Keeping your bike safe while on a roof rack or rear carrier of a vehicle is just as important as keeping it secure at home or work, as it can take an opportunist thief only seconds to steal your bike when you park your vehicle. Always pay attention to where you park your car, and ensure it is parked in a well-lit, busy location where the actions of any thief would be noticeable.

Thank you for taking a moment to reading the above crime prevention advice.

Kind Regards 

Hither Green Safer Neighbourhoods Team.