Bikes are an easy target for thieves. With flimsy locks and cables, questionable locking techniques, and an instant getaway vehicle, a bike is the dream opportunity for any thief.
Over 80,000 bikes were reported stolen in England and Wales last year, and with many now returning to work, many more are expected to go missing.
Where in the UK is Most at Risk?
New data has revealed that London commuters need to stay the most vigilant, as the capital has 27% of all reported bike thefts last year. The South East of the UK, including Sussex, Hampshire and Kent, had 15% of the UK’s bike thefts in 2020, and the East (Hertfordshire, Essex, Bedfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire) reported 12%.
The safest places to cycle are the North East (Cleveland, Durham and Northumbria) and Wales, both of which are responsible for just 3% of England and Wales’ bike thefts:
| Region | Percentage of The UK’s Reported Bike Thefts |
| London | 27% |
| South East | 15% |
| East | 12% |
| North West | 10% |
| South West | 7% |
| East Midlands | 7% |
| Yorkshire & The Humber | 6% |
| West Midlands | 5% |
| Wales | 3% |
| North East | 3% |
Of these regions, the worst five counties and boroughs for theft were:
| Location | Number Of Recorded Bike Thefts |
| City Of London | 21,689 |
| Thames Valley | 4,605 |
| Cambridgeshire | 3,519 |
| Greater Manchester | 3,834 |
| Avon and Somerset | 2,695 |
How Best to Secure Your Bike
In our survey*, 43% of commuters said they don’t consider where they park their bicycle, and a further 47% said they worry about their bike being stolen whilst at work. Most bike thieves are opportunists, so the better your bike is secured, the less likely it is to be taken.
The Lock
Use a chain lock or u-lock with a heavy duty padlock for maximum security. Cables are also a common and effective alternative. Avoid fragile padlocks and makeshift chains or ones with loose links, as they make it an easy take for thieves, who are less likely to try to steal your vehicle if they see solid protection.
The better the lock, the more time it takes for a thief to break it, the less likely they are to go for your bike.
The Location
Choose a busy location where there are plenty of witnesses and CCTV cameras. This will deter burglars from attempting to steal as they have a higher risk of getting caught. However, do not rely on this alone. It’s important to employ all the other factors as well, as you cannot rely on others intervening or being reliable witnesses.
The Object
Ensure the bike is locked to a solid object, not one that can be easily broken. Avoid the likes of wooden signs and trees, cemented down metal railings are the most secure and least likely to be smashed.
The Technique
Learn a specific locking technique and stick with it. There are several YouTube video tutorials on how to correctly lock a bike – pick one of them and master it for peace of mind that it would be an extremely difficult task for a thief to take it.
Think about removing your lights, saddle and even wheels to prevent someone else taking them – they’re easily removed and sold on.
At Home
Never leave your bike in the garden, as it’s so easy for a thief to jump the fence and take it. Instead, keep it out of sight in your shed, and make sure you’re employing these top 10 tips for securing your shed.
Identify and register your bike with Immobilise or Bike Register, which give you a better chance of getting your bike back if your bike is stolen. It’s good practice to keep a photo of your bike as well, so it can be accurately identified.
Get it insured. Some household policies may include bike insurance, but always check the fine print. It may cover the bike at home, but not when you’re out, so it may be better to get specific insurance for your bike.
What to do if Your Bike is Stolen
If your bike is stolen, then the first port of call is to report it to the police by dialling 101, or if the theft is in progress, you can use the emergency number 999. If it’s stolen from a train station, you can call the British Transport Police on 0800 405 040.
Share the theft, along with a photo, on social media.
Check eBay, Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace to see if you can find it.
Bike theft is common, but if you follow these tips, you can reduce your chances of it happening to your bike.
*Safe surveyed 2,000 commuters
