According to Statista 66,960 bikes were stolen in England and Wales in the year from 2023 to 2024.
But having your bike stolen is about more than facing a financial loss or inconvenience; bicycle theft also comes with an emotional cost. The Crime Survey for England and Wales from the Office for National Statistics, reports that feelings of anger and annoyance are common among victims.
So, what can you do to keep you and your bike safe?
Lock it up
Invest in a good lock. D-shaped shackle locks can be the most secure, but an armoured cable lock may give better flexibility – if you need to lock it onto a lamppost, for example. Also, think about the weight of your lock as you’ll need to make sure you or your bike can carry it comfortably.
You can also get wheel locks, usually in the form of a long cable that threads through the spokes and attaches to your main lock. If you don’t have one, the best idea might be to take your wheels with you when you park up. Some wheels are highly prized even without the rest of the bike. The same applies to seats and lights. If in doubt, take them with you.
WhyCycle? offers some advice on locks, or you could take your bike into your local bicycle shop and get their expert advice.
Choose a good parking spot
Lock your bike to something solid and secure, and make sure thieves can’t lift your bike up and over a pole or post. If possible, aim for a well-lit public place that's viewed by a security camera.
ID your bike
Make it easier to trace by getting it security marked by the police. You can check for police-run marking events near you on Bikeregister.com, which also happens to be the largest bicycle register in the UK. Or you can register it with Immobilise. This free register links up with the Police National Stolen Equipment Database. It’s also wise to take a photo of your bike to provide proof of its identity to the police.
Insure it
Even if you follow the security advice, there’s still a chance your bike could be stolen. For this reason, you may want to look at insuring your bike with Churchill.
