There are more bikes on the road than ever before but out of those stolen every year only some are ever recovered. But there are some simple things you can do to beat the bike thieves.
- A good lock is the obvious first step - invest in a good D-shaped shackle lock or an armoured cable lock which can give better flexibility if you need to lock it onto a lamppost or something.
- Think about the weight of your lock – if it’s too heavy it could make cycling very uncomfortable.
- Some thieves are just after your wheels so think about getting one of the locks with a long cable that threads through the spokes and attaches to your main lock. Or take your wheels with you when you get home together with the seat and lights.
- Always choose a secure place to leave your bike, even at home. Keep it out of sight from the road but in a well-lit spot, locked to something solid and secure.
- Make sure thieves can’t lift your bike up and over a pole or post. It’s a good idea to take a photo of your bike in case you need proof of its identity for police.