It is a very disheartening feeling many cyclists get everyday, when they return to where they had left a bike only to find it damaged, part stolen or missing entirely. What can you do to stop your bike ending up like the one pictured above?
It is impossible to secure a bike in such a way as to guarantee it won’t get stolen but there are many things that you can to reduce the risk of it happening.
Firstly think about where you lock the bike up – thieves love quiet places where they can work to liberate your bicycle undisturbed. Also make sure the object you are securing your bike too is a fixed structure that is not easily removed. Forget railings, chain link or wire fences and sign posts. Even ‘wheel bending’ cycle racks – the ones that barely hold the front wheel.
Second, thieves are attracted to flash bikes. Hence the “disguise” in the picture below. Also note the use of a rear rack. Adding a rack and mudguards can dull down an otherwise attractive bike.
Third, always lock-up your bike. Many, many bikes that get stolen aren’t even locked up in the first place. Note that I have used a solid type D-lock as my main lock. It is certified to the Sold Secure Gold standard. It’s not the most secure lock in the world, but it is portable. Always try and completely fill the space inside the lock to prevent it being forced open with a stubby bottle jack.
Fourth, anything that can be easily removed from the bike needs to either be secured or taken with you. I have secured the back wheel with a cable available from any good bike shop. Each end of the cable has loops to slide onto the shackle of the D-lock.
Fifth, use two locks. Thieves often come equipped with tools to deal with one type of lock, so using a second lock of a different type can deter them. Please note that In this instance (pictured below) I have used the second lock to secure the front wheel to a sheffield stand. In a higher risk situation I would use the second lock on the frame and detatch the front wheel either taking it with me or securing it with the cable holding the back wheel.
Sixth, electronically tag your bike. I’m not sure whether most thieves will even notice that the bike has been tagged, but it will increase the likelihood of bike and owner being reunited after a theft.
And when you have done all this, don’t forget to keep your bike locked up when it is at home. I would recommend chaining it to a ground anchor inside the shed, or at least to the step ladders and the lawn mower.
This blog entry is intended only as a snapshot guide. I am preparing a more detailed article on cycle security which also looks deterring theft by the type of bike used, insuring a bike and what to do in the event of getting a bike stolen. I would welcome your feedback.
All pictures and more can be found on my flickr photostream.
