Cameron bike theft may herald mountain of crime

The second theft in a year of David Cameron's bike comes as the UK approaches a potential "Himalayan peak" in cycle theft, reinforcing the need to make sure your contents insurance covers bicycles away from the home, says AA Insurance.

The Tory leader's bike was today stolen from near his home, where it was reportedly chained to railings, less than 10 months after he got it back from a previous theft.

Simon Douglas, Director of AA Insurance, says it is unclear whether Mr Cameron's bike would be covered by his home contents insurance. He could claim for it if his policy extended to personal belongings outside the home.

Insurers would need to be satisfied that the Tory leader had taken adequate security precautions to prevent theft.

Simon Douglas adds: "Mr Cameron has done the right thing by reporting this crime to Police. Many cycle thefts go unreported, but doing so is essential for any insurance claim. While we sympathise with his well-publicised plight, hundreds of cyclists fall victim to theft every day.

"We could see a Himalayan peak in cycle theft this summer as the recession makes the bike an ever more sought-after item. This episode reinforces the need to check your insurance to make sure your bike is included. Make sure your bike is adequately covered and adequately secured."

June to October is consistently the busiest period for cycle theft, according to the Home Office's British Crime Survey. This, combined with a recession-induced surge in bike sales, mean Summer 2009 is set to be a bumper season for thieves.