Bike thieves cash in as Britain gets lean and green

Halifax Home Insurance believes that bike thieves are cashing in on Britain’s green conscience. Indeed latest annual figures show that a total of 439,000 bikes are stolen each year - marking a 10% leap on the previous 12-month period and equating to one bicycle being stolen every 71 seconds in the UK.

The insurer believes the dramatic rise in incidents of bike theft is as a direct consequence of increased bike usage - as Britons make an attempt to live leaner, greener lives. But, according to Halifax Home Insurance’s data, Britain’s rekindled love affair with bicycles is allowing thieves to pedal away with some £146m worth of stolen bicycles per year. That’s almost one third of the £500m revenue generated by the British bicycle industry per annum.

According to the leading insurer’s data, bike thieves are taking most advantage in London which earns the dubious honour of being Britain’s bike crime centre for 2006 – indicating a link to the rise in cycling commuters. The capital is ahead of last year’s hotspot, Kingston-upon-Thames, as well as Cambridge, Bristol and York.

In 2006 89% of all bikes were stolen having been left locked-up in a public place, 10% were left unlocked in public places and 1% was stolen from within the victim’s property. With so many bike thefts taking place away from victim’s home, Halifax Home Insurance is urging cyclists to check that their home insurance policy will cover their bike if it is stolen in a public place.

To avoid becoming a victim of bicycle theft Halifax Home Insurance recommends a number of simple safety measures - such as fitting a U-type lock to an unattended cycle.

Vicky Emmott, Halifax Home Insurance, comments: “The increase in thefts is due to an upsurge in the popularity of cycling across Britain. With increasing numbers of employers taking up initiatives such as the Government’s cycle to work scheme, opportunities for thieves will only increase.”

She continued: “One bicycle theft occurring every 71 seconds is an astounding figure and should certainly make cyclists think more carefully about the level of security they use to keep their bike safe. With the majority of thefts coming from bikes that have been placed under lock and key, it may be worth considering spending a little more money for a high security lock that might stand a better chance of deterring a thief.”

10 ways to avoid bike theft

1.Make use of special bicycle parking racks where possible and always lock your bike, regardless of how long you will be away from it.

2 If possible use a rack that is in a well-lit or busy area.

3.When not in use, keep the bike locked in an outbuilding or inside the house.

4.Always keep the door to the building where you store your bike(s) locked, even if you are just in the back garden - an opportunist will always take his chances.

5 Use a hardened steel U-type lock, as cable locks are easily cut.

6.Consider using anti-pry devices. These cover the gap between your bike and the object it’s secured to, thus preventing a thief from inserting a tool in the void and prying or twisting the bike free.

7.Register your bike at one of the bike ownership agencies.

8.Use an ultraviolet pen to mark your postcode on the frame.

9.Write down the name, model and serial number of the bike and store it somewhere safe in case you need to pass on the details to the police.

10.Take photographs of the bike and keep a note of extras such as mudguards, high performance tyres and even water bottles, and other equipment you may have added over time.