If you’re using your bike, either to travel to and from work, or for weekend exercise, it’s important to keep it secure. Here are some tips on how to do this.
Register your bike on a national property database such as immobilise.com.
Mark the frame with your postcode in two separate locations, one of which should be hidden.
Download and fill in a bike passport.
Always lock your bike, even if you are only leaving it for a couple of minutes.
Lock up your bike with a good quality lock. If you can, use two different locks such as a strong hardened steel D-lock and a sturdy chain lock, or a durable loop extension cable. This makes it harder for thieves as they would need different tools to break each lock.
Lock your bike through the frame and both wheels, or at least the back wheel. Parking that only allows your front wheels to be locked should be avoided, as thieves can remove your front wheel and make off with the rest of your bike.
Remove detachable accessories such as lights, pumps, panniers and quick release saddles.
When out secure your bike to a fixed object or bike rack in a well-lit and busy area. Where possible use a designated bike rack, ground anchor or street furniture that offers multiple locking points and will stop your bike falling and causing an obstruction. Bikes locked to lampposts, railings or anything else not designed for this purpose are more vulnerable to theft.
At home keep your bike in a locked or alarmed shed or garage. Use an anchor point which either bolts directly to the floor/wall or can be installed into concrete.
If your bike is stolen, call the police on 101, keep the crime reference number and inform your insurance company.
Avoid leaving your bike unattended in dimly lit isolated places for long periods of time. Leave your bike where a potential thief can be seen easily.
Never leave your bike outside in the rear yard or garden, unless you have a cycle anchor or secure object to lock it to.
Keep your bike out of public view.
If you have any questions or concerns you wish to raise, please email Matthew.Robinson2@leicestershire.pnn.
police.uk or call 101 and when prompted ask to leave a voicemail for 6566.
To report a crime call Police on 101, or 999 if in progress. You can also contact CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.