Around 21,000 bikes are reported stolen in London each year. Follow these golden rules to reduce the risk of theft and increase the chances of recovering your bike if it is stolen.
On this page
- Register your bike
- Lock your bike
- Why 'quick-release' mechanisms are not your friend: be aware of bike part thefts
- Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê bicycle procedures
- Where to secureÌýyour bike
- How to secure your bike
- WhichÌýtype of lockÌýshould you use?
- Lock tips
- Get insured
Register your bike
Register your bicycle model, make and frame number at . This information will give the police a much better chance of recovering your bike if it is stolen. The Immobilise National Property Register already holds the details of thousands of bikes. Add your details now to help make your bike safer and reduce bicycle crime.
Lock your bike
If you can store your bicycle inside your home or office - especially overnight - this is the safest option. Bicycle parking at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê is short-term, and many insurance companies will only cover you if you store your bicycle inside overnight. The next best option will be Council owned secure bike hangers on your road, you can apply to use them via your local council web pages.
Why 'quick-release' mechanisms are not your friend: be aware of bike part thefts
It is worth replacing your quick-release mechanisms on wheels and anything else attached to the bike frame. Quick-release attachments make it as easy for thieves to remove your seat or wheels as it is for you.
You can use ordinary nuts and bolts which can be undone with a spanner or shifter, or nuts and bolts which fit Allen keys. You can get special locking nuts for saddles and handlebars, from brands such as , which can only be undone with a specially designed version of an Allen key which is sold with the bolt.
If you don't feel confident doing this yourself (some bikes will be more straight forward than others) then you should go to a bike shop to get these fitted, it is important that they are correctly fitted as you don't want your wheels coming loose as you ride along!
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Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê bicycle procedures
Please remember to dismount from your bicycle when entering Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê campus property. The riding of bicycles on the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê Campus is not permitted.
Always park your bike in a designated bicycle area, using the bicycle stands provided.
When parking your bicycle on Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê property please ensure that you do not park your bike on railings, pathways or stairways. Please also ensure that you do not park your bike next to or blocking fire exits. If you do so this may result in your bicycle being removed by Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê Security.
If you find you have any issues with bicycle thefts or you have any other Security-related concerns please contact the Security Department on Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê ext 32108 for enquiries or 222 in an emergency.
Where to secureÌýyour bike
When parking on the street it is generally best to use cycle parking stands. Avoid using street furniture as these may be removed by Local Authorities. Keep in mindÌýthat some posts lift out of the ground, while cycles can be lifted off shorter posts like parking regulation signs and parking meters.
Ensure you are not blocking pavements for other users and that you are not using fixtures that have signs asking you not to secure your cycle to them or it may be removed.
It is always best to lock your cycle where it will be visible so that thieves will have less opportunity to steal or vandalise it. Avoid hiding your cycle away out of public view, which gives the thieves the time and privacy to steal it.
Multi-storey car parks in the city often provide free cycle parking which can potentially offer greater security than on-street parking.
How to secure your bike
Always lock your frame and both wheels to an immovable object. Take all accessories and easily removable parts with you, and be aware that quick release levers can make seats and wheels very easy to remove. You may need to take these with you or lock them with the bike if you have not replaced quick releases with a normal nut and bolt or specialised locking nut and bolt.
We would recommend using a good quality lock. When choosing your lock think about how you will be securing it. The less secure the location the tougher the lock needs to be. Good advice is to spend at least 20% of the value of your cycle on a lock and preferably use two different types of lock if you are leaving your cycle for any length of time. When using a chain to lock your cycle avoid laying it against the ground or against walls as thieves can smash the chains against these. Instead, lock the chain high up around your bicycle.
Lock tips
- When not in use, cable locks can be wrapped around the seat post. D-locks normally have special attachments to fit them to the frame, or they can be carried on a rear rack. This frees up space on the frame for other accessories.
- Keep your spare key in a safe place - you'll need it should your keys are lost or stolen.
- Keep a note of your key number (this number will either be on the key or come with your lock when you buy it) so you can replace it if all else fails.
- Some lock manufacturers offer warranties to replace the lock if your cycle is stolen while locked with their lock. You may have to register and pay for the service.