There was a spot of good news recently when it was revealed that for the first time in years, 2023 saw a small dip in the number of motorcycles, scooters and mopeds stolen in England and Wales.
But the number of bikes stolen in the UK is still staggeringly high, with around 18,000 being taken in the year.
Around half of those are in London, and over 2,000 in Greater Manchester.
While years ago it was bigger bikes that were the prize of the thieves, today smaller-engined scooters and mopeds are more popular, with our stolen bikes going on to be used by criminals in ride-by handbag and phone snatches.
Sadly, stealing an unsecured bike is easy; it takes only seconds for thieves to break the steering lock and wheel it away or lift it into a van, and drive off.
What can we do?
So how can we stop our bikes being stolen? By making life as hard as possible for the bike thieves. No security can be absolutely foolproof but we can deter the thieves from targeting our bikes. Put obstacles in their way and they’ll move on.
The police have a three-word slogan to remember: Lock, chain, cover.
Lock
Use a disc lock to help secure the front brake disc, or a grip lock to secure the brake and throttle controls. You could also use a D lock to stop it being wheeled away.
There are locks built specially for scooters and mopeds. Although they tend to be a bit weaker than their big bike counterparts, they are still a significant deterrent, especially if paired up with another form of security.
Chain
Thieves often steal a bike by breaking the steering lock and wheeling it away. Use a chain lock through the back wheel (the front wheel can be removed). Secure your bike, with the lock taut, to an immovable object such as a ground anchor or street furniture. This will stop thieves from cutting a lock trailing on the ground using an angle grinder.
If this isn’t possible, thread the chain through your bike frame and back wheel.
Cover
Thieves often ‘shop’ for particular bike models. Using a cover to hide your bike instantly makes it less attractive to them, as they have to start lifting it to work out what bike you have. Bike thieves don’t want the hassle and often will move on without taking a peak under the cover.
It’s all about deterrence…
Bike security is all about deterrence. None of the above will guarantee your bike won’t be stolen but, by using multiple security measures, you can make it harder and less attractive for thieves. Most thieves are opportunists on the look-out for bikes that are quick and easy to steal; make them think twice about taking your bike.
Other top tips:
Never leave the keys in the ignition. What do you mean, ‘that’s obvious…!’ Might sound it, but thousands of bike riders do just that every year. In fact, I bet we’ve all done it at some point. Just don’t…
- Always apply the steering lock. It’s the simplest way of making it harder for thieves
- Alarms might seem pricey but they are an effective deterrent. Thatcham-rated 1 or 2 alarm systems with tracking, immobilisation, anti-grab and movement sensors can help protect your vehicle and trace it if it is stolen, so you can recover it. Fitting an alarm can also reduce your insurance premiums.
- Mark your bike parts. Thieves often steal bikes to strip them down and sell off the parts. Deter them by marking the key components. Big stores such as Halfords sell a permanent marking kit that’s ideal for this.
- When parking, always pick a well-lit area, preferably one that’s busy, too. Thieves are happiest operating in the dark and the quiet, so it’s best to park our bikes in exactly the opposite type of spot: somewhere that is well-lit and busy.
Finally, one last tip: remember that parking on the pavement is not allowed in Central London. It’s an automatic fine. Many motorbike, scooter and moped owners learn this the hard way; don’t be one of them. Always park in a designated spot.