Police Scotland have released the follow bike security advice after an increase in reports of bike theft across the South West of the city.
All reports of such criminality will be thoroughly investigated and there has been an increase in high visibility patrols in areas where recent thefts have taken place.
However, with over half a million bikes stolen across the UK every year, we’d urge cyclists to continue to take all the necessary precautions to secure their bikes.
Bikes which are secured with wire bike locks are being targeted in particular, with the cable often being found to have been cut. This can be done in a matter of seconds so please consider investing in a d-lock or bike chain, which are harder to compromise. We recommend buying locks with the industry standard “Sold Secure”, details of such products can be found here.
When not in use, always try to secure your bike to an immovable object. Consider securing all parts of the bike if the wheels are quick release.
If keeping your bike overnight in a communal storage area, garage or shed always ensure that the outbuilding is secured with a substantial solid lock, which is covered by CCTV and/or security lighting wherever possible.
Take a picture of your bike and make a note of the stamped serial number (which can be found on the underside of the pedal crank) as this will greatly help officers in returning your property should this unfortunately be stolen.
You can also register your bike with the UK’s national bike marking and registration scheme.
If you find a bike which appears to have been abandoned or stolen, please notify us and call 101 to report any suspicious behaviour – always dialling 999 when a crime is ongoing.
More advice on securing your bike can be found here.
