Bicycle Security

Preventing the theft of bikes and e-bikes

When leaving your cycle or e-bike in a public place, always remember to secure it with a security approved product. 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, whilst many stolen bikes are recovered each year, the police are often unable to return them or prosecute offenders as the owner cannot be traced. You can help to keep your bike secure at home and when storing them with a lock when out.

Here are our top tips to help you keep your bike safe and secure, both at work, at home and if travelling for holiday or leisure purposes.

1. Register it

Register your bike on a secure, recognised, national database. The police will check these databases if they find bikes in the possession of a criminal or if left in the street to help identify the rightful owner.

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 or where the back wheel slots in) plus any other distinguishing features and take a photo.

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. Keep valuables secure when cycling

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

Kind Regards

Hither Green Safer Neighbourhoods Team