First posted 02/09/20.

Advice from our Police team.

Keeping your bike secure

Thieves think cycle theft is a low-risk, high-reward crime. Follow these tips to lock thieves out and ensure your bike remains safe and secure and that you are protected when buying a second-hand bike.

Keep your bike secure

• To get your bike security marked and registered visit the Bike Register website.  Link to Bike Register site (opens in a new window) Getting your bike security marked and registered is a visible deterrent to bike thieves. They know that if they are caught in possession of a registered bike, the rightful owner can be traced and they will be arrested. Find out if your local Neighbourhood Policing Team has any marking events planned.
• Record details of your bike. Frame number (normally found underneath the bike between the pedals or where the back wheel slots in), Bike Register number, other distinguishing features, and take a photo. Of all the bikes that are stolen or found each year we only return a very small number to their rightful owners.
• Use locks of gold ‘Sold Secure’ standard. Also, use two different types of lock, with at least one being a high quality D-lock. It takes thieves a few seconds to cut through poor quality locks – make it as difficult for them as possible.
• Lock the frame and both wheels to the cycle parking stand.
• Make the locks and bike hard to manoeuvre. Secure your bike as close to the stand as possible.
• Take parts that are easy to remove with you. For example, saddles and wheels. Or use secure skewers, which can increase security by securing the bike’s components to the frame permanently, making it difficult for thieves to steal parts such as saddle or wheels.
• Lock your bike at recognised secure cycle parking. It should be well lit and covered by CCTV.
• Take the same care to lock your bike securely at home. Bikes get stolen from communal hallways, gardens, sheds and garages. Consider investing in a ground anchor and attach it securely to a wall or concrete floor.
• Do not buy a stolen second-hand bike and always ask for proof of ownership. To check the bike frame number visit the Bike Register website.
• If you believe your bike has been stolen, contact the police. Give them your frame number, Bike Register number, photo and any other details.

Buying a used bike

Buying a second-hand bicycle is a great way to grab yourself a bargain, however before handing over any cash, think about whether you are being sold a stolen bike. If you buy a stolen bike, not only could you have the bike seized – meaning you lose the money you paid for the bike, but you could be prosecuted by the Police for handling stolen goods.

We are working to create an environment where all cyclists and potential cyclists feel safe and secure to enjoy cycling. This includes investigating and tackling organised bicycle theft and disrupting the market and trade in stolen and second-hand bikes and parts.

So before you buy a second-hand bike, consider the following:

• Always inspect the bike thoroughly before, and if you’re not an expert, ask a knowledgeable friend for help.
• Does the bike have its original paintwork or has the frame number been tampered with? Thieves alter the appearance of bikes, to disguise it from the legitimate owner.
• Check the bike’s frame number on all national property databases. The police’s preferred registration databases are the Bike Register website (see above) and Immobilise website   Link to Immobilise website (opens in a new window)
• Check how much the seller knows about the bike.
• Check to see if it has been property marked.
• Meet the buyer at a fixed home or work address. Be wary of meeting buyers in a public place.
• Ask for an original purchase receipt and a receipt for the transaction.
• Be wary of stock photos – ask to see original photos of the actual bike.
• Do not buy from anyone who approaches you on the street.
• Is the price of the bike at market value? If something seems too good to be true, it usually is.