Bicycle Security
The North East Crime Reduction team are advising all bike owners to consider their bike security after a recent increase in bike theft, particularly E-bikes. Thieves will routinely carry bolt croppers or even battery powered angle grinders and light weight, poor quality locks offer very little resistance and are easily overcome
Many stolen bikes were either unlocked or secured with easily defeated locks
‘Sold Secure’ and ‘Secured by Design’ Standard: Always opt for locks independently tested and approved to at least the “Gold” standard. For e-bikes, given their higher value, a “Diamond” rated lock is highly recommended.
Layer Your Security (Two Locks are Better Than One): Thieves often specialise in defeating one type of lock. Using two different types of high-quality locks (e.g., a D-lock and a strong chain lock) makes your bike a much less appealing target, as a thief would need different tools and more time.
Correct Locking Technique
Always lock the frame and both wheels to an immovable object.
Keep the lock off the ground: This makes it harder for thieves to use tools,
Secure tightly: Minimise the space within the lock to prevent leverage attacks.
Choose wisely: Lock your bike to a sturdy, well-secured bike rack, lamppost, or other fixed street furniture that cannot be easily cut or lifted over. Avoid flimsy fences, gates, or anything that can be easily removed.
Smart Parking – Location, Location, Location
Where you leave your bike significantly impacts its vulnerability such as well-lit, high-footfall areas. Thieves prefer to operate unobserved. Choose locations with good lighting and plenty of passers-by.
CCTV Coverage: Parking in areas covered by CCTV can act as a deterrent and provide vital evidence if a theft occurs.
Avoid Predictable Patterns: Don’t leave your bike in the exact same spot every day, as this allows thieves to plan their attack.
Home Security – More than half of bike thefts occur from home
Secure Storage: Always lock your bike, even if it’s in a shed, garage, or communal hallway.
Ground Anchors: Consider installing a ground anchor in your garage or shed and securing your bike to it with a quality lock as described previously.
Out of Sight: Keep your bike out of view from windows or open doors to avoid attracting opportunistic thieves.
Remove Temptations – Detachable Parts
E-bikes, often have easily removable and valuable components. Batteries and are high-value targets. If possible, remove them and take them with you, especially if you’re leaving your bike for an extended period. Many e-bike batteries have keyed locks, but these can often be defeated.
Quick-Release Components: If your bike has quick-release wheels or saddles, consider replacing the skewers with security skewers that require a specific tool to remove. Otherwise, take these components with you or secure them with a secondary, lighter lock.
Accessories: Remove lights, bags, and other accessories that can be easily snatched.
Consider Additional Security Measures
Insurance: For high-value bikes and e-bikes, specialist cycle insurance is highly recommended. Check your policy’s requirements regarding lock standards and storage. If you are solely relying on your home insurance policy for cover, it may be worth making contact with them, if your bike is valued at over £400, policies often will only pay this amount unless the bike is specified on the policy.
Hidden GPS Trackers: These can be invaluable for tracing your bike’s location if it’s stolen and can provide crucial information to assist locating it.
Forensic Marking: Beyond registration, consider forensic marking kits which provide covert identification for your bike and its components.
Photograph your bike and record all your bike’s details and distinguishing features and keep in a safe place. The serial number can be found on the bottom bracket. Consider using a bike registration scheme such as ‘Bike Register’ to mark your bicycle. Not only is this a deterrent to thieves but should you be unlucky enough to have your bicycle stolen it increases the chances of getting your bicycle back.
Further advice can be obtained by contacting Police Scotland Crime Reduction Officers at:
NorthEastCrimeReduction@scotland.pnn.police.uk
#northeastcrimereduction
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Police Scotland’s North East Division covers rural and urban areas in Moray, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City. The division has five territorial command areas which have their own dedicated Area Commander, who is responsible for the daily policing function. Each command area is served by a number of community policing teams whose activities are built around the needs of the local community. These teams respond to local calls and look for long term solutions to key issues. They are assisted by the division’s Crime Reduction Unit who deliver against Force and local priorities in a number of areas, including physical and social crime prevention, supporting and enhancing community engagement and creating and sustaining strong and effective partnership working.
