Bikes are more popular now than ever before. Whether you cycle to work, for leisure or as a competitive sport, bikes are part of everyday life for many people. The recent pandemic has seen increased bike sales, with the average bike being worth around £400.
With families taking up cycling together and more children showing an interest, bikes are a popular addition for most homes across the UK. Unfortunately, this increase in cycling has led to a rise in bike theft.
So, how can you ensure you are doing all you can to keep your bike safe and secure? Here we look at some tips.
Security – Securing your property is a crucial part of keeping your possessions safe. Entry motion sensors, gate locks, CCTV and smart security solutions are all fantastic ways of ensuring your home is as secure as possible.
Accessories – Removing the bike accessories such as the saddle, lights, and basket will make the bike less attractive to potential thieves and make it harder for them to make use of it.
Locks – A heavy-duty bike lock is a worthwhile investment. Although a little costly, these locks will make it very difficult for anyone to take your bike and therefore serve as a significant deterrent.
Register your bike – There are various schemes, such as Bike Register and Immobilise, where you can register your bike.
Change routines – Change the times and places that you lock your bike up. This will stop potential criminals from spotting a pattern and planning a theft.
Apps – Smart apps are an excellent way to record your bike routes. However, be sure to check the privacy settings on the app, so they are not easily accessible to others. Strava is an app that allows you to create a radius that will not show on your activity map.
Insurance for your bike – Insurance is an excellent way of protecting your investment. Log the features and the serial number of your bike with your insurance company in case of theft.
Police – If your bike is stolen, you must report it to the police straight away. Give them as much detail as you can, including the features and the serial number of your bike. If you have photos of the bike, this may help them to track it quicker. Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible.
For details about the security services offered by A Matter of Security, contact our friendly team on 01708 572248.
