Did you know that Cambridge is the worst place in the UK for bike theft? As we approach longer nights and with crime set to peak across the UK, we’re sharing the worst places for bicycle theft and our top tips to help cyclists protect their mode of transport in public spaces.
A Chain Reaction of Crime
Across the country, there has been a mass of bicycle thefts in the past year. We investigated crime data from police forces across the UK to reveal the seriousness of this situation. In the past 12 months, we found that the worst places for bicycle thefts are:
1. Cambridge – 7.73 per 1,000 residents
2. Oxford – 7.42 per 1,000 residents
3. Bradford – 5.62 per 1,000 residents
4. York – 4.79 per 1,000 residents
5. Brighton – 3.98 per 1,000 residents
6. Hull – 3.81 per 1,000 residents
7. Reading – 3.79 per 1,000 residents
8. Cardiff – 3.63 per 1,000 residents
9. Portsmouth – 3.21 per 1,000 residents
10. Newcastle – 2.96 per 1,000 residents
Preventing Bicycle Theft
If you are a bicycle owner in the above-mentioned places, don’t fear. Our Managing Director, Anthony Neary, has provided three expert tips to help you protect your mode of transport in public spaces.
- Choose a strong lock
Whether you cycle to work, the shops, or the gym, it’s important to choose a bike lock which will provide a good level of protection for your pride and joy. Sold Secure locks are recognised as the best on the market having been through robust security tests. Fragile locks will be much easier and quicker for thieves to break, whereas a heavy-duty one will make them look elsewhere for something to steal.
We would recommend a solution such as a Burg Wachter 1260 100 Cable Bike Lock (1.0m). This lock is constructed with braided steel and has a pick resistant lock mechanism. This allows your bicycle to be left in the best hands. Find out more: Burg Wachter 1260 100 Cable Bike Lock (1.0m)
- Secure with a proven lock method
When it comes to locking your bike, ensure this is done securely with a proven hard technique. The best way is for the lock to go through the frame and one of the wheels, as this is more difficult to dislodge and ride away. Make sure that it is locked to an immovable object and ensure that it isn’t too close to the ground as this can be more easily broken with a weapon. Stick to areas with CCTV in site or where people are most likely to witness a robbery, as there is a lower possibility of it being stolen.
Our Master Lock 8275EURDPRO Keyed Cable & Cuff Bike Lock (1.0m) is an anti-theft lock cable, making it very difficult to be broken. It uses a pick resistant lock mechanism, and the durable vinyl coating prevents any damage from thieves. Learn more: Master Lock 8275EURDPRO Keyed Cable & Cuff Bike Lock (1.0m)
- Insure and register the bike
For those with sentimental and expensive bicycles, it is best to take extra precautions for if the worst does happen, such as bike insurance which will cover you no matter where you are, if the theft happens when out and about or at home. It will also provide cover if you have an accident. Insurers will encourage that you record details of the bike such as the frame number. Go further with your security by marking it and registering with online databases such as BikeRegister, a police approved scheme that can make finding the bike easier.
We’re the UK number one supplier of safes and locks online. With an extensive range of bicycle locks, our products can give you the peace of mind of complete bike safety. Find out more: Bike Locks
Sources
*https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/jan/02/suspect-identified-in-only-one-in-10-bicycle-theft-cases-in-england-and-wales
*https://www.statista.com/statistics/303562/bicycle-theft-in-england-and-wales-uk-y-on-y/
*https://crimerate.co.uk/
