Bicycle Security

The incidences of Bike theft across the city has been on the increase in recent times.  Bicycles are being targeted regularly by thieves. 

Whether you have just purchased your first bike or are a seasoned cyclist it is worth investing in a good quality cycle specific lock to secure your bike.

Thieves will routinely carry bolt croppers or even battery powered angle grinders and light weight, poor quality locks offer little resistance. As a rough guide consider spending around 10% of the value of your bike on a lock. If you have a £3k bike and a £10 lock are going to get targeted.

Always buy the best quality lock you can afford and look out for those that have been endorsed as ‘Sold Secure’ or ‘Secured by Design.’

It's not enough to simply lock your bicycle whenever it is left unattended. Modern bikes are light and can be carried away quickly. Whether a bicycle stand, lamp post or metal fence: a bike must be locked to something and whatever you choose, it must be at least as secure as the lock itself. Ideally, use two different types of lock - the more locks you fit, the more tools a thief will need to steal it.

The best place for your bike at night is a locked room, e.g. a cellar or garage, and it should always be secured with a bicycle lock; ideally combined with a ground anchor. If bicycles cannot be locked to something, for example in the hall or garage, simply lock several bikes together.

Photograph your bike and record all of your bike’s details and distinguishing features and keep these in a safe place. The serial number can be found on the bottom bracket. Consider using a bike registration scheme to mark your bicycle. Not only is this a deterrent to thieves but should you be unlucky enough to have your bicycle stolen it increases the chances of getting your bicycle back.

Why not consider registering your bicycle, for free, in your name - have a look at https://www.bikeregister.com/?gclid=CjwKCAiA17P9BRB2EiwAMvwNyFYe5mx6OaI-LQ2i1QH9Vmr3Qkp52Ejn35JFoBj2j8XckR_K2VBzTBoCk2YQAvD_BwE

Some useful guides to preventing bicycle theft - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ye4p6IGGQWw

How to lock your bike - a guide to urban bike security - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQfaFZ5OpOs

How to install a ground anchor- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DiLSzzPVyE

Tested - £11,000 of Bike Locks Destroyed - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxIbAFnmsIQ

Further guidance can be found at

https://www.scotland.police.uk/keep-safe/home-and-personal-property/keep-your-bicycle-secure

Or by contacting Police Scotland Crime Reduction Officers on NorthEastCrimeReduction@scotland.pnn.police.uk