With more people being encourage to use Pedal Cycles as a mode of transport we have attached some top tips and guidance to ensure you, your friends and family do not become victims of crime.
1. Register your bike on a secure, SBD recognised, national database. The police will check these databases if they find bikes in the possession of a criminal or if left in the street to help identify the rightful owner. https://www.bikeregister.com/ https://www.immobilise.com/help/registerbike
2. Remember to record as many details of your bike as you can, such as the make, model, size, colour, frame number (normally found underneath the bike between the pedals or where the back wheel slots in) plus any other distinguishing features and take a photo.
3. Security marking your bike using an SBD recognised forensic asset marking or etching kit is another highly effective, visible deterrent to thieves and an established method of reducing theft.
https://www.selectamark.co.uk/ & https://www.bikeregister.com/
4. It can take thieves as little as a few seconds to cut through some locks that haven’t achieved the Police Preferred Specification. Double locking is the best protection for locking any bike. However, we recognise this is not always possible or practicable at times.
Whatever the type of lock, look for the SBD logo or see the SBD approved list at the bottom of the page.
- Secure your bike as close to the stand as possible to give any thieves little or no room to manoeuvre.
- Lock the frame and both wheels to the cycle parking stand.
- Locks are considered more vulnerable when they come into contact with the ground, so keep them off the floor.
5. Take parts that are easy to remove with you, such as the saddle or wheels. Alternatively, use locking skewers or nuts which can increase security by securing the bike's components to the frame permanently, making it difficult for thieves to steal detachable parts.
6. When parking your bike in a public place you need to consider many factors, including your own personnel safety and the security of your bike.
Lock your bike at recognised secure cycle parking. It should be well lit, overlooked and if possible covered by CCTV.
Secured cycle hubs and racks are provided by local councils and businesses. However, while some of these products are security tested, others are not so be wary. You can find details of racks and stands which are supplied by SBD member companies and have achieved Police Preferred Specification below.
▪ Avoid leaving your bike in isolated or dimly lit places, always leave your bike where a potential thief will have to perform in public!
▪ Do not lock your bike to an open-ended structure such as a signpost – thieves just lift the bike over the top of it.
▪ Avoid locking your bike against a gate or wall, thieves will often use leverage against the wall or gate to break the bike lock.
Electric Bikes (e-bikes) are very expensive, so try not to leave them in the same place on a regular basis as they may be noticed and stolen to order by a determined thief. You should also consider removing the battery if you can. Cycle lockers are a good option if storing your e-bike in a public place.
7. Always keep your valuables secure when cycling. Don't put them in open baskets or panniers.
8. Always pay attention to your surroundings, especially whilst stationary. Thieves target unsuspecting cyclists for both their valuables, such as mobile phones and their bikes.
9. This is very important to remember as many bikes are stolen at home, mainly from sheds and remote garages that are not connected to the home. You should take the same care to lock your bike securely at home as you would on the street
Improve the general security of your shed and garden. Secure bikes in a shed or garage by using a purpose-made shed shackle and padlock or a ground anchor fixed to the base of the shed, with a high rated security cycle or motorcycle lock.
Please pass these useful tips and guidance onto your friends and family and recommend they sign up to https://www.northumbriaconnected.co.uk/ in order to receive up to date information with regards to the Byker Area.
