HOW TO PREVENT YOUR BIKE FROM BEING STOLEN THIS WINTER

As the days become shorter the amount of stolen bike reports increase with on average over 100,000 bicycles being reported as stolen every year in the UK, don't let yours be one of them. Here is our top tips on ensuring your bike is theft proof...

1. INVEST IN A HEAVY DUTY BIKE LOCK

Bike thieves need to operate quickly to reduce the chance of being caught, so a decent bike lock is literally worth its weight in gold.

A heavy-duty bike lock can make a thief’s job more difficult, with the result that they abandon attempts to steal your bike or move onto a bike with a less secure lock.

D-Locks are Highly recommended, why not take a look at Kryptonite bike lock

2. MARK IT UP

Marking your bike with a unique code ensures that Police will be able to trace your bike back to you if it is stolen and recovered.

In parts of the UK, local police forces mark bikes at special events which are usually advertised on their websites. You can also contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team to find out when their next marking event is taking place.

However, if you are marking your bike yourself:

• ensure the security mark is clearly visible. This in itself will act as a deterrent to bike thieves.

• apply a tamper-proof sticker to the frame, warning that the bike has been marked.

3. KEEP AN EYE OUT

Bike thefts can occur at any time - day or night. A growing trend is that thieves are stealing certain makes and models to order.

• Make sure the locks go through the bike frame as well as both wheels and the post you are securing it to. Otherwise, a thief may steal the bike and leave the wheels behind. Also, make sure it isn’t possible to cut through the post, or for the bike to be lifted up over the top of it.

• Lock your bike up even if it is inside your shed or garage, locking it to a ground anchor gives added protection.

• Ensure your lock doesn’t touch the ground, otherwise it is easy for a thief to sledgehammer it off.

• Don't share where you live on social media! We all love to show snaps of our bike on the gram but be-careful what you share, don't make yourself an easy target by sharing too much about your location .

• Try to avoid riding the same way home everyday, keep an eye out for anyone suspicious. Opportunists make up up 60% of all bike thefts

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4. INVEST IN A SECURE GARAGE DOOR

Some garage doors may act as a weak point for entry into your home so it is vital you have a door that is secure in order to prevent break ins.

Things you should look for when buying a garage door:

• See if it holds the Secured by Design logo, this means it is police verified.

• Electric Roller garage doors are more secure than traditional up and overs due to their anti lift lock strapping mechanism.

• Check if the door has an inbuilt alarm system to deter break ins

• Cheap isn't always best, there are many roller garage doors on the market that are made of low quality components and poorly constructed making it a lot easier for thieves to break into your home.

for more information on finding the best garage door for you visit www.clicdoors.co.uk