Stop Your Bike Going For A Ride Without You

Bedfordshire Police are urging cyclists to take extra precautions when locking up their bikes to ensure that they don’t become the victim of crime.

Since September there has been a slight surge in bike thefts which have occurred in Dunstable and Houghton Regis with 48 being stolen. The Local Policing Team is encouraging all cyclists to follow some simple advice:

• Park your bicycle safely and considerately, where it will not cause danger or obstruction to others - particularly the elderly, the very young and those who are disabled in some way.
• Don't leave your bike in isolated, poorly-lit areas.
• Always lock your bike when you leave it, even if it's only for a few minutes while you pop into a shop.
• Use proper cycle anchors or robust street furniture, e.g. trees, parking meters, lampposts or railings (but do observe requests not to use them) to secure your bicycle against. If provision is inadequate, bring this to the attention of your local authority or property owner.
• Lock your bike through the frame.
• Lock the wheels and other detachable parts.
• Remove any smaller parts which cannot be secured and take them with you when you can - especially lights and quick-release saddles.

There are many different products on the market and price is not necessarily a reliable indicator of quality and resistance against thieves. You should look for products that have been tested against attack - read the packaging carefully and ask the retailer for advice.

• To guard against the opportunist thief you need a product that has resisted attack for one minute.
• To guard against the determined thief you need a product that has resisted attack for three minutes.
• To guard against the dedicated thief you need a product that has resisted attack for five minutes.

Marking your bike can be a deterrent to theft and will also help the police return it to you if it is stolen and subsequently recovered. To be effective, security marking must be:

• Clearly visible - hidden marks do not deter theft;
• Securely fixed - if it comes off easily and leaves no trace, then it won't deter a thief;
• Placed in two separate locations on the bike and not on any part which is removable and replaceable;
• Give clear information as to where to find the rightful owner (e.g., house number and postcode).

There is a range of marking systems on the market, including:

• Engraving
• Etching
• Ceramic marking
• Punching
• Die stamping

You can buy most of these kits from a good DIY store. Alternatively, ask your cycle shop if they provide this service.

There are a number of companies which will offer to security mark your bike with a unique number and cross-reference this to your personal details on their database. If you choose to use this service, make sure that:

• The security mark applied meets all the criteria set out above in respect of visibility, permanence and safety;
• The mark is accompanied by the company's telephone number so the police know who to contact;
• The company you use is following the National Cycling Forum's "Code of Practice for Security Marking and Registration of Pedal Cycles" which has been endorsed by the police, the Home Office and the DETR.
• Finally, keep your own record of your bicycle - its make, model, frame number and colour. A photo can also be of assistance to the police.

If you have information relating to bicycle crime or have been offered either of the bikes then please contact Bedfordshire Police, in confidence, on the non-emergency 101 number, or text information to 07786 200011.

Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.