How to lock your bike correctly
One of the best ways to avoid your bike getting stolen is to know how to lock your bike.
It may sound simple, but many people quickly lock their bikes not realising that it is very easy to steal the front wheel or use a cheap lock, such as a cable lock, which can easily be broken.
Follow these tips and this should help reduce the chances of bike thieves stealing your bike.
Finding a parking space
The best place to park your bike is using a designated cycle parking stand. However, before you leave your beloved bike it’s best to check the following…
- Does the parking stand has people regularly passing by it?
- Are CCTV cameras present in the area?
- Are there people in the area who can provide any surveillance (eg people working in offices or sat in bars and restaurants)
If you do leave your bicycle in a public area, make sure you…
- Lock the frame to the parking stand, rather than any removable parts such as wheels or the seat
- Consider a separate lock if you have any quick-release items
- Check the item you lock your bike to is robust and securely fixed to the ground
- Don’t lock your bicycle to something moveable (eg a temporary sign) or open on one end (eg a bollard) !!
Types of bike lock
Lots of different types of locks are available and there are many security accessories that will help you reduce your risk.
Bike tagging
Avon and Somerset Police hold regular tagging sessions in shopping centres and community hubs in an effort to reduce cycle theft.
Avon and Somerset Police Force have endorsed two bicycle security measures:
- Immobilise allows you to register your property and helps the police to identify stolen property.
- ImmobiTag, is an easy-to-fit device that’s embedded in the bike frame and allows the Police to identify the bike as yours, if recovered by them in the event of theft.
How to find a lost bike?
- Find That Bike, is an online search facility which helps you keep an eye classified websites which may illegally be selling your bike
- Stolen Bristol Bikes, A local forum for people to seek help finding their stolen bikes. Also worth checking out their Twitter and Facebook pages.
If you are offered a stolen bike
Ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111