Cycling - Security Matters
Whatever type of bike you have, it is essential to keep it secure. Almost 400,000 bicycles are stolen every year in England and Wales.So far this year approximately 346 cycle thefts have taken place in the Borough of Gosport. This figure is purely cycles stolen from the street and public places and does not include cycles stolen from sheds and garages etc.
However following a few simple steps and a small investment in the right type of lock and cycle marking it could help you minimise the risk.
Lock it or lose it
Always lock your bike up when leaving it unattended; even if it is only for a few minutes. Try and choose somewhere where it will be exposed to a high level of public observation. If a purpose built cycle stand is not available, choose a fixed piece of street ‘furniture’, making sure the bike cannot be lifted off (e.g from a short post). If you are using a fixture such as a lamp post, please be careful not to obstruct the way for other users such as wheelchair users, the visually impaired and people with baby buggies. Please respect any specific requests not to use a particular fixture. Apart from locking the frame, make sure that any quick release and detachable items such as wheels, saddles and lights are either secured or removed and taken with you.Choosing a bike lock
There is a variety of types of lock available; the main choices being chain & padlock combination (cheap and flexible), cable locks (useful for securing parts of the bike such as the saddle) and solid metal D-locks. There is a government backed system to test and grade cycle locks depending on level of security offered with D-locks generally offering the highest level of security.Security marking and registration
Getting your bike security marked, keeping photographs and a record of the frame number could all help the police identify and recover your bike if it is stolen. If your bike is particularly valuable you should consult the crime prevention officer at your local police station for advice.Cycle Marking Kits
60mm x 40mm silver label and ultraviolet marking fluid.; Leaves a permanently etched mark in the centre of the silver label; Also includes separate silver warning sticker and ISR contact card; Each label is cut with a unique 7 digit code and the 24/7 contact telephone number of the International Security Register (ISR); Registration on the ISR is included for as long as you own the marked cycle.Would you be interested in purchasing a Cycle Marking Kit at £3.50 per kit? For details contact us on sales@gosportnhw.co.uk or call Carole on 023 92583637.
Don’t forget Security at home
A recent survey found that over half of all bicycle thefts take place on the owner’s property, including thefts from garages, sheds and gardens. Make sure the place you keep your bike is secure, and consider installing a steel loop or other fixed anchor point to a wall for locking your bike. If this isn't possible, try to keep your bike out of sight (even if it's inside the house or flat) so as not to attract the opportunist thief.