Record and Register Your Bike

The 'How To Keep Your Bike' crime reduction leaflet has a form to record the details of your bicycle in case it is stolen. You should also include a clear coloured photo.

You can register your bicycle with immobilise, by providing the bikes unique identification code.

Security Mark Your Bicycle

Security marking can be done in a number of ways. You can use tamper-resistant labelling, etching or an electronic tagging device that slides down the saddle post and works like a pet microchip.

• Mark your bike clearly and visibly - an obvious security mark may deter thieves.
  
• If you use a tag, ensure you display the warning sticker in a visible location.
  
• Bedfordshire Police have the equipment to read microchips and microdots and to identify cycle parts marked with UV reactive fluids. If you choose to etch your bicycle, use your house number (or first 3 letters of house name) and postcode.
  
• Crime Reduction Officers or security marking companies can advise if you are not sure what information to include.
  

Keep it locked

Always kept your bicycle locked, even if leaving it only for a few minutes. If at home, lock it in a secure shed or garage.

Lock your bike to an immovable object

Use a proper bike rack/ground anchor or robust street furniture - for example lampposts or railings (but observe requests not to use certain items of street furniture and be sure not to cause any damage). Remember that thieves can remove drainpipes and lift bikes off signposts. If provisions are inadequate, bring this to the attention of the relevant local authority or property owner. Lock your bike through the frame.

Avoid dimly lit places

Don't leave your bike where a thief can work out of sight.

Secure removable parts

Lock both wheels and the frame together. Take with you smaller parts and accessories that can be removed without tools, for example lights, pumps, computers, panniers and quick-release saddles, or fit security fasteners on items such as wheels, headsets and seat posts.

Make the lock (and chain, if used) and bike hard to manoeuvre
This is to stop thieves smashing the lock open.

• Keep the lock (and/or chain) away from the ground.
  
• Keep the gap between the bike and the lock small.
  
• Never leave the lock lying on the pavement - a lock can be sledgehammered easily when it's resting on the ground.
  
• Locks can also be picked, so face the lock towards the ground (but not resting on it) so it can't easily be turned upwards for picking.
  

To guard against the opportunist thief you need a product that has resisted attack for one minute.

To guard against the determined thief you need a product that has resisted attack for three minutes.

To guard against the dedicated thief you need a product that has resisted attack for five minutes.

Invest in a quality lock. Hardened steel D-shaped locks are recommended as the minimum standard. It is worth spending proportionately more on a lock for a more expensive bike.

Shackle Locks (known as 'D' locks or 'U' locks)

Shackle locks are made of two parts, the first part houses the mechanism and the 'U' shaped round bar, which fastens in to the mechanism at the ends.

There are two main types of shackle locks, single and double mechanism. The single mechanism anchors at a single point in the locking mechanism, while it secures the other end. The key will unlock this type of lock at one end of the mechanism.

The other type is the double mechanism shackle lock. This type of lock anchors the bar at both sides centrally, with a key used to operate the lock from this central position. As a result they are harder to penetrate, as both mechanisms would have to be broken for it to be
released. Generally the best quality shackle locks are have double mechanisms.

Advantages

• More Resistant to cutting with high-leverage hand tools such as bolt cutters.
  
• One of the most secure locks you can buy if good quality.

Disadvantaged

• There is often enough space for a thief to fit a jack into the shackle lock, the jack can produce enough leverage to break the lock.
  
• U-Locks are also vulnerable to power tools.
  
• Heavy and solid making transporting them difficult.
  
• Not particularly large, so a suitable place is needed. Won't work on lampposts for example.
  
• Won't be able to lock both wheels, so it is recommended they are supplemented by a loop ended cable.
  

Cable

Cable locks often come with the locking mechanism already permanently integrated. They should be made of multi wound braided wires. The more wounded strands, the harder it is to cut, as opposed to cables with lesser thicker strands. The more basic cables are cheaper and have fewer strands, while the more expensive better quality cables will feature the finer braided construction. For a lock you intend to carry around, 8 or 10mm diameter should be sufficient.

Advantages

• There are very flexible and easy to wrap around other objects.
  
• Easily transportable. Even a straight cable can be coiled by the user into a more manageable shape than a chain.

Disadvantages

• The thicker they are the harder they are to cut, but the heavier they are.
• Simple cable locks should only be used in low risk areas, as they can easily be cut with bolt cutters.
  
• For parking your bike overnight, relying solely upon a smaller cable should be avoided.

Chain Locks

Chain locks are basically lockable chains, with the strength determined by the type of steel it is made from and the free space between the links. Chains are good at withstanding tensional force (stretching) but not so good at withstanding torsional force (twisting).

Better quality chain locks will have smaller gaps and be made of hardened steel.

Advantages

• Very flexible but tends to be shorter in length than cables.
  
• Takes up less space as can be collapsed in a pile when transporting.
  
• Comes in a large variety of weight and strengths, so you will be likely to find one that suits your needs.
  
• Can be relatively cheap.

Disadvantages

• Only as strong as its weakest part, which may be the lock.
  
• Can be very heavy, especially the thicker ones.
  
• As mentioned, susceptible to twisting.

Armoured Locks

Are similar to cable except they have an articulated set of barrel through which the cable travels. The cable is not visible and the barrels rotate if a thief tries to saw through them (cable links rotate independently).

Advantages

• Generally more secure than a standard cable lock.

Disadvantages

• These tend to be considerable heavier than standard cable locks.
  
• Not quite as flexible and lengths are limited.
  

Locking Mechanisms

All the above locking methods also need a locking mechanism to close the gap. Cable and chain locks will generally have their locking mechanisms already attached, at one end with a clasp pin on the other. Chain locks may have a locking mechanism attached, but often include a separate padlock of some kind.

The are two type of locking mechanism, the first is key operated, the second is a dial type combination locks. The advantages of dial type combination lock are that you don't have a key to lose and are less maintenance. If the lock doesn't have a user settable combination, remember to remove the number sticker from the lock. Key locks are less convenient but tend to be more secure than combination locks.

Round keys are no more secure than flat ones, and in the case of cheap locks, may even be less secure.

Loop Locks (Immobilisers)

Loop locks create a loop round a rotating part of the bike, securing it and preventing it being ridden away.

It is most basic form, it is just a chain or cable lock that is wrapped around the rim and the tyre, preventing the wheel turning. This must be carried as a separate entity. The other and more convenient form, is a one attached to the actual bicycle, so it goes wherever the bike goes. To lock the bike, you simple operate the lock, which pushes a locking bar through the spokes of the bike, locking on to the other side.

Recommended if you are away from your bike for a few minutes, as it will prevent theft by opportunists.

Sold Secure

Sold secure has a collection of recommended bicycle security products. They test the products and give them a rating (bronze, silver or gold), depending on how well they have scored in tests. You can also ask your local bike shop for a recommendation. Also check the packaging for more information.