Up Beat

LOCK IT. DON'T LOSE IT!

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26 February 2008

Pedal cycles are becoming a more familiar sight on the streets of Southwark, with many initiatives being planned across London to encourage more cycling, whether it is riding to work, to school or for pleasure. Unfortunately, more bicycles mean more opportunities for theft from both public places and homes.

There are many simple and inexpensive ways to prevent becoming a victim of bike theft and giving a thief an opportunity of stealing your bike.
 
When you purchase your bike please consider taking the following measures: -

• Budget for security - include the price of locks. Consider spending 20% of the cost of your bike on security. Also take into consideration extra security for garages and sheds as well as bicycle locks.
  
• Take out insurance either by extending your home contents insurance, or through a separate policy. Cycling organisations and bike shops may offer specialist cover.
  
• Record and register the make, model and frame number of your bike with the Immobilise database. (Please see below).

WHEN OUT AND ABOUT: -

• Always lock your bicycle, even if you are leaving it for a few moments.  
  
• Avoid isolated places. Whenever possible leave your bike in a well-lit area monitored by CCTV. That way a thief can easily be seen.
  
• If you are visiting someone, always ask if you can bring your bike inside.
  
• Lock your bike to an immovable object such as a bike stand, rack or ground anchor. Remember thieves can easily remove drainpipes and lift bikes off signposts.
  
• Make the lock and bike hard to manoeuvre when parked and keep the lock off the ground. This will help to prevent thieves smashing the lock open.  
  
• Keep the gap between the lock and the bike small. This will help reduce the leverage from a tool like a crowbar.
  
• Secure removable parts. Lock both wheels and frame together. Where possible, take smaller parts and
  accessories with you.
  
• If you own an expensive bike, avoid leaving it in the same place on a regular basis - so it will not be noticed and stolen to order.  
  
• Parents; if your children are going to the park, please encourage them to lock their bikes securely and avoid
  leaving them unattended.
  
• Park your bike safely and considerately, where it will not cause danger or obstruction to others, particularly the elderly or disabled.

A significant number of bicycle thefts take place from the owner's property, so it is equally important to store your bike securely in the home. Simple crime prevention methods can lessen your chance of having your bike stolen.

• Do not leave your bike in communal hallways.
  
• Lock side gates with a good quality padlock. 90% of break-ins occur from the side or rear of buildings. 
  
• Always keep your bike out of view and never leave it in the front garden even if locked. 
  
• Avoid leaving your bike in the rear garden, even if you think it is safe.
  
• Wherever you store your bike, be it in the home or garage, secure it with a lock as well, preferably to an immovable object. Consider installing a floor or wall mounted anchor lock for extra security.
  
• Avoid leaving your bike in the garden shed. If you have no choice, ensure the shed is secured with a good quality lock and consider a shed alarm, which are inexpensive and easy to install.

LOCKS

Invest in a good quality lock. Hardened steel D - shaped locks are recommended as a minimum standard. There are many other locks that can be purchased, some of which are suited for securing your bike in the home. These include cable locks with alarms fitted, that are long enough to secure 2-3 bikes together. Specialist garage locks are also available and can greatly increase the security of your garage.

Detective Inspector Dave Willis from Southwark Burglary squad said, “We are working hard to combat burglary in Southwark and would encourage all residents and visitors to the borough to put this advice into practice. Cycles amongst other items become popular with thieves at this time of year”.

IMMOBILISE DATABASE

The Immobilise database can be found on the internet at www.immobilise.com. It allows you to register your property on the database and should it get stolen there is a greater chance of you being reunited with it. All manner of property can be placed on the database and it is especially useful for mobile phones and bicycles. Simply register your details along with those of your property - such as the make, model and IMEI number; and a record will be kept of that item. Should it get stolen and recovered - it can then be reunited with its rightful owner. The service is free, and is used by the police as part of their investigations.

IF YOU THINK YOU ARE BEING OFFERED A STOLEN BIKE, PLEASE RING SOUTHWARK POLICE ON 020 7378 1212 OR CRIMESTOPPERS ON 0800 555 111.

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