More than an estimated 376,000 bicycles are stolen each year in Britain, according to the Office for National Statistics, and industry research shows that those thefts comprise nearly 46 per cent of all personal theft claims—making them the most common item cited in household theft claims. One explanation for the high theft rates is that an estimated 2.5 million Britons are opting to cycle to their destinations at least twice per week, rather than drive or take public transit.
With the warm summer weather encouraging more Britons to take their bicycles on the road, preventing bicycle theft should be a chief concern. To protect your bicycle from thieves, follow these three pieces of guidance:
Purchase a durable, secure bike lock. Whatever lock you choose should be able to secure both the frame and at least one wheel to an immovable object.
Register your bicycle under your own address. In addition, write down your bicycle’s serial number.
Include your bicycle in your home contents insurance policy.