Minimise the risk of theft:

• Always lock your bike, even if you are just popping into your local newsagent for 15 seconds and can see it through the window; a thief can be off with it in 2 seconds.
• Put your lock around your frame, front wheel.and an immovable object; note that some street signs can be easily removed, allowing the thief to raise the bike off the top of a sign post.
• Use a steel D-lock, unless you have a bike that is virtually worthless (which we refuse to accept!).
• The closer fitting the lock is around the bike, the more difficult it will be for an amateur thief to break the lock without damaging the frame.
• For middle range bikes or better you are best to use 2 locks; it is best to use one D-lock and one heavy duty hardened chain (like some motorcyclists use). For regular commuting you can leave one lock behind bolted at your place of work, college etc.
• If you have a saddle with a quick release lever, take the saddle with you; a lot of thieves will be deterred as the bike is less rideable, and involves more hassle to get it roadworthy. Mind the rain though, as it can drip into your open tubing, and start rusting.
• If you have quick release wheels, either lock them to the frame, take them with you, or fit allen key attachments in place of the quick release levers.
• Remove all accessories which may be easily detached, such as lights, pump, cycle computer, panniers.
• Lock your bike in a well lit and busy area, and with other parked bikes - the chances are that someone else's is more desirable than yours.
• If your lock has been glued or tampered with so that you cannot unlock it, or someone has added an extra padlock, do not leave your bike overnight as the thief will return with appropriate lock breaking gear when the coast is clear.
• Don't keep better looking bikes in your hallway if opportunists can see it by peering through your letterbox; they may break down your front door to get the bike.
• Keep a record of the frame number, colour, size, make, and model.
• Have your postcode stamped under the bottom bracket at your local police station (see below).
• Consider purchasing a folding bike, which does not need to be left outside your destination, but which you can carry with you into the building.

LCC offers cycle insurance schemes to its members. If you have house contents insurance it is worth checking first to see if your insurer will add your bicycle to your policy; but check the small print, as a few may incorporate exclusions which make the cover virtually useless.

Westminster Parking 'Exclusion Zone'

The area around the Houses of Parliament and Whitehall has a total ban on all cycle parking (and car parking) due to former terrorist activity.

The ban is often indicated by swathes of no-parking bollards along the kerb; ask the police if you are unsure, as all bikes are quickly removed.

Summary of CCC's knowledge about cycle theft in Camden.

1. There seems to be a hot-spot outside the Town Hall, though nowhere is really safe.
2. Leo Chapman's extensive study a few years ago found that D locks are not very effective.
3. He recommended a hardened ABUS lock plus hardened steel chain as the best defence.
4. Recent article on the subject recommends using two different forms of locking ie D lock plus a chain.
5. Some evidence indicates that locations where it is easy to park a van right up to the bike should be avoided.
6. Even old bangers are not entirely safe, though have a much better chance of survival than new bikes.
7. Any unusual bike is at great risk.
8. The stands outside Camden Town tube (very high numbers of pedestrians and railings screening all access from the street) seem more secure than most.
9. Stands at main railway stations (except perhaps Euston) seem more secure than some.

© Paul Gasson