I can say with an excellent diploma of certainty that bike theft in public areas is unfortunately pretty commonplace, and though Yellow Jersey Insurance coverage covers bicycles locked in public areas, we can’t cowl the shock and sinking feeling one feels when returning to the place their bike was as soon as left, to seek out it stolen. With that mentioned, though insurance coverage is a good security internet, we expect prevention is at all times higher than the remedy. To place a constructive spin on issues, we all know that plenty of thefts are avoidable, supplied the proper locking methods are employed. On this article, we check out what works greatest based mostly on what our claims group see day in, time out.
Use a bought safe Gold or Diamond rated lock
Let’s begin with the fundamentals: your lock issues. A weak lock is pretty much as good as no lock in any respect.
Solely use locks rated Offered Safe Gold or Diamond*. These locks are examined towards the instruments thieves really use. Many insurance policies (together with ours) require this stage of safety to validate a declare, however extra importantly, it really works. Keep in mind, at all times preserve the lock’s receipt and take a photograph of your bike locked up correctly, it would assist when you ever want to say.
*For bicycles valued beneath £1500, you should use a Offered Safe Silver rated lock, however you probably have the choice and your funds permits, go for a Gold or Diamond rated lock !
At all times lock to one thing immovable, like actually immovable!
It sounds apparent, however we nonetheless see claims the place the bike was locked to one thing like a picket fence or an inexpensive railing that could possibly be lifted in and out some circumstances, locked to a different bike. Select a stable steel submit, bike rack, or floor anchor. Ideally, no matter you’re locking to is bolted down and thicker than your wrist.
Use two various kinds of lock
Thieves usually carry instruments for one sort of lock,normally D-locks or cables, not each. Utilizing a series lock + D-lock combo massively will increase the time and effort required to steal your bike. Insurance coverage be aware: Each locks should meet the minimal normal your coverage requires, so don’t simply throw on a café cable as your second layer.
Be good about location and routine
Thieves look ahead to patterns. Don’t at all times lock up in the very same place. Select well-lit, high-footfall areas, particularly in cities or cities. In case your bike is price so much, contemplate maintaining a less expensive “pub bike” for on a regular basis use.
Lock the body and each wheels
Too many individuals nonetheless simply loop their lock via the entrance wheel. This makes it straightforward for thieves to take the remainder of the bike. Use a D-lock via the rear triangle and wheel. Sure, it’s a little bit extra effort, however it’s price it in the long term. When locking via the wheel, guarantee your lock goes across the wheel rim versus via the spokes. Have a guess what occurred right here…
Use Hex Locks
Wheels and saddles with quick-release skewers are a magnet for opportunistic thieves.
Hex-lock skewers (or safety bolts) exchange quick-release levers with bolts that require a singular or non-standard key, making it a lot more durable to take away elements with out instruments.
They’re mild, reasonably priced, and very best for: Wheels (particularly entrance wheels left outdoors locks) Saddle clamps, Headsets and seat posts
Don’t make it straightforward at house
Over half of motorbike thefts occur from the proprietor’s house. Whether or not it’s a storage, shed, or hallway, deal with it like a public place.
Set up a wall or floor anchor, and lock your bike to it. Don’t neglect to at all times lock your door as we’ve had claims denied just because thieves walked into an unlocked and open storage! Use a sensible alarm or digicam, it may not cease them, however it helps with police reviews and proof.
Use a tracker just like the Knog Scout or Apple AirTag
Even with one of the best locks, decided thieves can typically get away with a motorcycle. That’s the place a discreet monitoring system could make the distinction. The Knog Scout (which we promote at checkout) combines a loud alarm with GPS monitoring, and it mounts securely to your bike body. Like an Apple AirTag, when hidden cleverly beneath a bottle cage or saddle, can silently broadcast your bike’s location via the Discover My community. These gained’t stop a theft, however they vastly enhance your probabilities of restoration and have even helped police return bikes to house owners in hours.
