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Bike security |
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For effective bike security, it is best to use multiple high-quality locks, always secure the frame and wheels to an immovable object, and register your bike on a national database. The best products to use depend on your risk level and budget. Sold Secure-rated products are independently tested and categorised from Bronze (for opportunist thieves) to Diamond (for angle grinder-resistant locks).
Buying a bike lock should not be an afterthought. In the UK, the average cost of a bike is approximately £500 and an e-bike can cost anything between £1,000 up to £10,000 so it is important to use the best protection possible.
Questions you should ask are: Will the bike lock perform its job? Buying a cycle lock which has not undergone an approved security test, is just not worth it. Will it protect my bike? An accredited bike lock will act as a strong deterrent to any thief. I have a high value e-bike how do I protect it? Buy the highest rated security product which has the Sold Secure Diamond rated approval
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. Secured cycle hubs and racks are provided by local councils and businesses. However, while some of these products are security tested, others are not so be wary.
Avoid leaving your bike in isolated or dimly lit places, always leave your bike where a potential thief will have to perform in public. Do not lock your bike to an open-ended structure such as a signpost – thieves just lift the bike over the top of it. Avoid locking your bike against a gate or wall, thieves will often use leverage against the wall or gate to break the bike lock. Electric Bikes (e-bikes) are very expensive, so try not to leave them in the same place on a regular basis as they may be noticed and stolen to order by a determined thief. You should also consider removing the battery if you can. Cycle lockers are a good option if storing your e-bike in a public place.
Security practices and accessories Using the right locks is only part of a complete security strategy. For maximum protection, combine high-quality locks with smart practices.
Locking techniques Double lock: Use two different high-quality locks to make your bike less of a target. A good combination is a sturdy U-lock for the frame and rear wheel, and a flexible chain or cable for the front wheel. Secure the frame and wheels: Always lock the bike's frame and at least one wheel to a solid, immovable object like a purpose-built bike rack. Keep locks off the ground: Position your lock higher up on the bike, such as around the down tube or seat stays. This prevents thieves from using leverage against the ground to break the lock. Create a tight fit: Minimise the amount of space inside the lock's shackle to prevent thieves from using a jack to break it.
Registering and marking Register your bike: Register your bike's frame number on a national database like Bike Register (www.bikeregister.com). This can help police trace it back to you if it's stolen and recovered. Security marking: Mark your bike with a unique ID code using an approved forensic asset marking kit. Displaying a tamper-proof sticker can also be a visual deterrent.
At home security Use a ground anchor: For sheds or garages, install a ground or wall anchor into the concrete floor or wall. Use this with a high-security chain lock. | ||
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