Pedal Cycle Crime Prevention
From TheStudentWiki
More and more people are choosing to cycle to college, university or for exercise on a daily basis; therefore it is essential that cyclists receive advice on how to protect their cycles. Although CCTV is available and has proven to be an asset in reducing and preventing crime, it is important to emphasise the importance of cycle security and cycle identification.
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Basic security rules
- Do not leave cycles in isolated places.
- Make sure you secure your bikes to proper cycle stands or robust street furniture (do observe any requests not to use certain items of street furniture and be sure not to cause any damage).
- Always secure your cycle when leaving it unattended - even if it is only for a few minutes
- Lock cycles through the frame, and secure or remove wheels. Also remove smaller parts and accessories that can't be secured, especially lights, pumps and quick release saddles
Purchase a quality lock
- Lock strength can vary enormously and you generally get what you pay for. Essentially any lock can be broken, but having a lock will definitely deter opportunistic thieves and using more than one type of lock will make stealing your bike even harder.
- SoldSecure (a non-profit making company which assesses security products) have developed a security grading system which is used by many insurance companies.
Gold rated locking devices give you maximum security but may be too heavy or expensive for the average user. The Silver and Bronze levels may be lighter and cheaper but should still deter the thief.
When purchasing a lock for your cycle you need to think about how much your cycle is worth, where you will be leaving it, and how often and for how long it will be left unattended.
A large number of bike thefts take place from the owner's property, so please make sure your sheds and garages are well secured and never leave your bike unattended outside your home.
Register your cycle
Mark your cycle with an approved property marking device and keep a record of your cycle frame number, this will assist the police identify and return your bike back to you if it is stolen.
You can register your cycle frame number on the Immobilise website. You can obtain an appropriate property marking kit from reputable security companies. It is also worth taking a photo of your cycle which can also be given to the police. If your cycle is particularly valuable, consider purchasing a “Tracker” type device, that will be able to locate your cycle if stolen.
See also Bike Register
Insurance for your cycle
We recommend that you take out insurance for your cycle. You may be able to add your cycle to your home contents insurance, but you must ensure that you will be covered for a theft which occurs away from your home. If your cycle is particularly valuable you need to get separate insurance.
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