Bike theft is predominant in the UK, and when you have invested in a quality model, you will want to protect it long term.
You’ve purchased your first e-bike, got it home, and there’s nothing left to think about, right?
Wrong.
While our current infrastructure is still evolving to accommodate the growth in active travel, currently, there isn’t always an abundance of secure, well lit, bike parking available.
In England and Wales, around 77,313 bikes are reported as stolen every year. An e-bike, or traditional pedal bike, are a long term investment, and you will want to protect your asset.
A Hertfordshire Constabulary spokesperson said: “During daily proactive patrols, our officers are always looking out for suspicious activity and would encourage anyone to report information by calling police on the non-emergency 101 or number or report online. In an emergency, or if a crime is in progress, dial 999. There are several other ways you can help protect your bike, including: using two quality locks, locking the frame and both wheels to a secure cycle stand, securing your bike as close to the stand as possible and taking removable parts with you.”
“In the event you are the victim of bike theft, Stolen Bikes in the UK will help to spread the word on the theft of your bike and offer you advice to help get it back. Find that bike lists adverts for bikes placed on online marketplaces, which you can check frequently to see if yours has been listed for sale.”
“We continue to hold bike marking events across East Hertfordshire. At these events, officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team are on hand to security mark bicycles free of charge and record details on the national Bike Register database. To keep up to date on when these events take place, please follow our East Herts Police Facebook page.”
Bike marking is a fantastic way to ensure that, should the worst happen, a stolen bike can be identified and returned to the owner. Not only is it an effective way or getting your bike back, but the recognisable marking is also proven to be a visible deterrent to thefts.
The BikeRegister permanent marking kit is a great way to increase your chances of getting your bike back, if it is stolen, as any marked bike is automatically registered onto their online database.
Highway Cycles owner, Adam Simmons, said: “When asked by our customer if BikeRegister is all they need, we generally answer with no, as we like to explain that the best way to prevent bike theft. is to make you bike as little of a target as possible. Make sure that you invest in a SoldSecure Silver or higher D-lock, that you secure your bike in a place where an attempted theft would be clearly visible, and to keep your bike secured to a solid object preferably near other bikes. As much as we hate to say it; you just need to make your bike more unappealing to the thief than the ones it’s near!”
He added: “Being able to support the local community and to work with East Herts Police with their bike marking days at our premises in Hertford is us doing our bit for our local community of cyclists.”
Finally, insurance. Proper bike insurance for commuting is essential. Knowing you’re covered in every situation makes riding a bike much more enjoyable. Whether your bike is stolen or vandalised, you hit a pothole and buckle your wheel or damage your bike, or if you need legal assistance after an accident, specialist bike insurance will give you that peace of mind.
All bikes sold at Highway Cycles new include a BikeRegister kit free of charge, and
will be security marked from new.
For more information, or to find out about the next bike marking event, visit: www.highwaycycles.com
For 30 free days with our recommended insurer, Laka, visit: https://my.laka.co/business?r=HIGHWAY30
