POLICE are warning bike owners to take steps to protect their cycle following a spike in reports of theft in Calne, Chippenham and Corsham in recent months.
The thefts include a high value bike worth £455 which was stolen in Chippenham. There have been several other reports across the three towns.
Sgt Michael Tripp said: “Our neighbourhood teams have been conducting enquiries in relation to these incidents, but often the bikes have been left in areas with no CCTV, or haven’t been left fully secure.
“We’d urge owners to be mindful of where they are leaving their bikes and the types of locks being used. It can be really upsetting to have your bike stolen – especially if that is your main mode of transport. Please consider the following advice.”
Ten ways to protect your bike
Follow these 10 tips to ensure your bike remains safe, secure and not a statistic.
1. Double lock it
Using two locks slows thieves down and makes your bike less of a target. Use two quality locks, at least one of which is a D-lock. Thieves are less likely to carry multiple tools, so use two different types of lock if possible.
2. Lock the lot
Lock the frame and both wheels to a secure cycle stand.
3. Secure it
Secure your bike as close to the stand as possible to give any thieves little or no room to manoeuvre.
4. Take removable parts with you
Take parts that are easy to remove with you, such as wheels, lights, baskets or the saddle. Or use locking skewers or nuts which can increase security by securing the bike's components to the frame permanently.
5. Park securely
Lock your bike at recognised secure cycle parking. It should be well lit and covered by CCTV.
6. Register it
Register your frame number on a national bike registration database approved by Secured by Design. The frame number is usually found underneath the bike between the pedals or where the back wheel slots in. If your bike is ever stolen and recovered by the police, it can be traced back to you.
7. Mark it
Get your bike security marked. It’s a highly effective, visible deterrent to bike thieves. They know that if they are caught with a registered bike, the owner can be traced and they will be arrested. Security marking products can be found at Secured by Design.
8. Remember safety begins at home
Take the same care to lock your bike securely at home as you would on the street. Avoid advertising that you have a bike at home, for example, by removing car roof racks, and creating ‘privacy zones’ on apps like Strava to avoid disclosing your location.
9. Check ownership
Ask for proof of ownership and check the bike frame number on national bike registration databases approved by Secured by Design.
10. Act fast
If your bike has been stolen, contact us as soon as possible by reporting online. Give us your frame number, cycle database number, a photo and any other details and make sure you update the status on the cycle database where you registered it. The sooner we know, the sooner we can act, which might stop it being sold on.
What to do if your bike is stolen
It is worth posting a description and photo of your missing bike on the following forums:
https://orlo.uk/ZTXjh
https://orlo.uk/7NHBk
https://orlo.uk/piSTS
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