Bike Security

Around 450,000 bicycles are stolen in the UK each year, so it is worth taking the time to ensure your bike is secure. Make sure you budget for a decent lock when buying a bike and read our tips below on how to foil the thieves.

Insure your bike

Consider insuring your bike against theft. Many household insurance policies allow you to add cover for one or more bicycles, but check the conditions carefully to make sure they are protected away from the home.
There are also a number of specialist cycle insurers. See www.bikeforall.net for a list.

Register Your Bike

Take a photo of your bike and record the make, model and frame number. The police may not be able to return your bike without this information. The frame number is unique to your bike. It is usually found stamped underneath the bottom bracket (where the pedals attach) or on the frame near the back wheel. It may also be near the handlebars or below the seat post.
Register this information for free on www.immobilise.com

Security tagging

You can tag or mark your bicycle in a number of different ways, ranging from simple postcode stamping or ultra violet marking through to electronic tagging and registration systems. Security tagging allows the police to identify the true owner of any recovered bikes. Tagging is sometimes organised for free by the local police or large organisations such as universities, or you can arrange it yourself using one of the systems listed in the Related Information box on the right.


Buy a Lock

Buy a decent lock when you get your bike.
When it comes to locks, you generally get what you pay for, so be prepared to invest a little to protect your pride and joy – some people suggest you should spend approx 10% of the value of your bike on a lock.

Types of lock:

D-lock     cable lock     

D-lock                    Cable lock               Heavy chain lock

Ideally it is best to use two types of lock, for example, a strong D-lock and a sturdy chain lock or extension cable. This means you can secure both the wheels and the frame of the bike and a thief would need different tools for each lock.
Sold Secure test a variety of locks and give them a bronze/silver/gold rating according to their ability to stand up to attack.


Lock It Securely

  • Ideally find a well-lit, overlooked or busy area to park your bike.
  • Lock both wheels and the frame to a bike stand or strong immovable object. Do not use a bike park that does not allow you to lock the frame of the bike (some “butterfly” style stands only enable you to lock the wheel).
  • Lock your bike tightly against the object to make it difficult to twist or manoeuvre when parked.
  • Secure your lock so it does not touch the ground
  • Remove anything detachable that is not secured by the lock e.g. lights, pump, panniers, saddle and wheels if quick-release.

Remember that more than half of reported bike thefts are from the owner’s home address. So take as much care to secure your bike at home as you would on the street.