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Cycle Security
Bicycles are vulnerable to being stolen. They are very mobile and worth stealing.  Yet some owners do not regard them as worth protecting with security devices.  Here are some basic security guidelines for bicycle users:
  • Do not leave your bicycle in an isolated place.
  • Always lock your bicycle when you leave it, even if only for a few minutes.
  • Secure your bicycle to a fixed object or a cycle stand or railings where they are for cycle use.  
  • Lock your bicycle through its frame.
  • Secure or remove any easily released wheels or other bicycle parts.

Cycle Parking
  • Find a location where there is good street lighting, pedestrians walking past, and possibly CCTV coverage.
  • When parking lock your bicycle to a fixed object or a cycle stand or railings.  Make sure you have permission to lock it against the structure.
  • Make sure your bicycle is locked through the frame.
  • If your bicycle has wheels or other bicycle parts that can be easily released, take them off.  This includes saddles, lights and pumps. Wheels can be secured through the frame.
  • As well as chains and locks D-shaped shackle lock offer increased security.

Home Security
More than half of all cycles are stolen from their owners’ own home.  Here are some basic tips for home security and bicycles:
  • Insure your bicycle, such as part of your house contents insurance policy.
  • If you leave your bike in a shed or garage it should still be locked.
  • Where possible chain your bicycle to a fixed structure to prevent it from being removed.
  • Look at general household security around you shed or garage:  consider fitting an alarm or security lights.

Property Marking
Have your bicycle security-marked.  If it is stolen and recovered by the Police they will be able to return it easily to you.

  • Make sure the security label is visible and tamper proof.
  • The security label must be securely fixed to cope with all weather use.
  • Consider two labels on separate parts of the bicycle.
  • Provide simple information to help the police identify the owner: use your postcode and/or your house or flat number.
  • UV markings can fade over time, especially when exposed to sunlight or rain, so it is important to renew it regularly.
Further information
You can register your bicycle for free and it only takes a few minutes at the Immobilise website.