Ten tips to deter thieves
Nearly 500,000 cycles are stolen each year, but yours need not be one of them. Protect your bike with these low- and hi-tech ideas
Saturday March 3, 2007
The Guardian
1. Spend anywhere from 10% to 20% of the cost of your bike on locks and chains. This may seem steep when you're eyeing up your £2,000 dream bike, but professionals (of the non-thieving variety) recommend using a minimum of two hefty locks, each of which can cost upwards of £80.
2. In studies, researchers at London's Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design have discovered that the majority of cyclists only lock their crossbar to the bike stand (
www.designagainstcrime.com). Adam Thorpe, a research fellow at the college, advises: "Always lock the wheels and the frame to the stand. It's worth using a chain and D-lock because the odds are the criminal will have brought along equipment to break only one type of lock."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Make sure you don't leave a gap between your bike and the stand when locking it. A thief could use the gap to insert a tool and pry or twist the bike free.
4. Is the immovable object you are locking your bike to really immovable? Thieves can remove drainpipes and the tops of signs to slide bikes up and over. (Obviously you should remove anything that can't be secured such as lights, pumps and quick-release saddles.)
5. Make sure your chains or locks are not in contact with the ground. If they are, thieves can use a hammer or chisel to break through the lock. The latest locks are fitted with ear-piercing alarms that are triggered when hard impact is detected.
6. Where possible, store your bike inside (folding bike owners grin smugly at this point). In Spain, designers have created a security system that automatically takes your bike off street level and stores it underground (
www.biceberg.es).
7. If you're unable to store your bike indoors, lock it in a well-lit place, preferably near CCTV. If it's an expensive bike, try not to park it in the same place every day.
8. Note down your bike's model and frame number and take a picture of it. You should also register your bike at the invaluable
www.immobilise.com.
9. Take advantage of Bike Week (June 16-24). Many councils join with police to offer anti-theft tips, bike test-rides and lessons in maintenance (
www.bikeweek.org.uk).
10. Keep an eye out for new technology. In partnership with Bosch Security, students at Saint Martins are now developing surveillance equipment that can send an alert to your computer or mobile phone. The idea is for a tiny camera to be placed on the bike so that if someone gets too close, a message will be sent to your phone or computer. You'll then be able to check a website to see what's happening and act accordingly.
The ultimate anti-theft bicycle
To the uninitiated, this bike might not look so different from other urban folding bicycles. To the designers Adam Thorpe and Joe Hunter at London's Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, it's a creative solution that aims to out-smart the savviest of bike thieves.
Made in collaboration with Puma and the Danish company Biomega, the bike has a cable instead of the traditional "down tube". This device enables the bike to fold up with the cable acting as a built-in, wrap-around lock. And since the cable is part of the bike's integral structure, if anyone cuts it then the bike is immediately rendered useless. A new version with gears is planned for the end of March.
This "Urban Mobility bike" is one example of how designers are attempting to reduce bike theft. It's an uphill struggle, though. Figures from the British Crime Survey show that in 2005/06, a record 439,000 bicycles were stolen across England and Wales.
Visit
www.designagainstcrime.com,
www.bikeoff.org and
www.puma.com/bike/pindex.jsp for more information.
Insurance Q&A
Should I insure my bike?
Given that a bike is stolen every 45 seconds in the UK, many cyclists have come to accept the fact that the bike they have painstakingly locked to the railings may not be there when they return. Insurance against theft should be one of the first accessories you buy for your bike.
Should I insure against anything other than theft?
Companies specialising in bicycle insurance offer different levels of cover for leisure, commuting and competitive cycle sports. You can also take out a policy that offers liability insurance. This covers cyclists against third-party claims or personal injury.
Is my bike covered in my home insurance?
While it's cheaper to include your bike on your home insurance, there are a number of points worth checking with your home insurer:
· Some companies won't insure expensive bikes. Check the policy.
· If your bike is worth more than £200 it should be listed as a "specified item".
· Is your bike covered for the full amount it will cost to replace? Some companies will only replace your cycle at a depreciated value.
· Can you choose where your replacement bike comes from? Some companies will only order a cycle of similar specification.
· Are your accessories covered?
· Do you need to buy a certain approved lock?
· Are you covered for travelling abroad with your bicycle?
Will my premium go up if I claim for my bicycle?
If you're unfortunate enough to make multiple claims then yes, your premium is likely to increase, or your insurer will exclude cover.
Comprehensive cover
The following companies specialise in bicycle insurance.
Cycleguard (
www.pavilioninsurance.com) offers a range of insurance policies which can be tailored to suit your needs.
The London Cycling Campaign (
www.lcc.org.uk) offers comprehensive insurance and advice.
LawShield (
www.lawshieldcorporate.com) gives free legal and insurance advice to cyclists, and specialises in recovering damages.
More or less the same advice as before .. sadly though.. it they want your belongings .. they will thieve it.
.. but we have to do what we canto prevent
Login
Register
FAQ
Search
Members
These days they tend to car jack as manufacturers have made some anti-theft innovations .. which means they need the original keys .. hence the car jack increases .. 
and the quality of burglar alarms feature according to what we value in our homes. But how do you put aprice on the priceless to 
