Don't give thieves an easy ride

Next week is National Bike Week (June 16th - 22nd), and as many people will be swapping four wheels for two, Halifax Home Insurance is advising cyclists to be on their guard for bike thieves looking for an easy ride.

National Bike Week is the ideal time to ditch the car and go green, however, Halifax Home Insurance is warning cyclists to consider security before getting on their bikes. Recent figures from the British Crime Survey indicate that a bike is stolen every 65 seconds on average in the UK, and claims data from the insurer shows the average cost to replace a bike is £337.

Head of Underwriting David Rochester said: "One bicycle theft every 65 seconds is shocking. While cycling has many benefits for people's health and also the environment, it is important that people take adequate measures to protect their cycles and also make sure they are insured, both in the home and also when out in public places."

According to Halifax's own claims data, the area most prone to bike theft is London, with four of the capital's regions appearing in the top ten bike theft hotspots. Other regions prone to bike theft include Bristol, Reading and Chester.

However, Halifax Home Insurance advises there are a few simple ways cyclists can avoid losing their wheels by following these tips:

10 ways to avoid bike theft

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

Register your bike at one of the bike ownership agencies.

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

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.

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.

Halifax Home Insurance offers cover for bicycles up to the value of £500 as standard. Bikes which exceed this value will be covered so long as the policyholders have listed them as specified items. Bikes stolen from the home, garden shed or garden will be covered by Halifax Home Insurance. For complete peace of mind cyclists may also wish to consider cover for theft away from the property.