Preventing bike theft

Following today's news that Conservative leader David Cameron has had his bicycle stolen for the second time since last summer, bicycle insurers MORE TH>N are offering him some handy advice on how to ensure his next bicycle stays safe.

Pete Markey, from MORE TH>N comments: "We feel sorry for Mr Cameron. To have a bike stolen once is bad luck. Twice in such a short space of time is extremely unlucky, but to have a bike stolen for a third time could be extremely unfortunate for someone with aspirations of safekeeping the whole country. As such, to help Mr Cameron prevent a third theft MORE TH>N is offering five top tips that provide an extra deterrent to thieves."

Top 5 tips for preventing bike theft:

Ensure your bike has security markings such as an etched serial number. This marking should be advertised with a clearly visible sticker to deter thieves

When securing your bike use a heavy-duty lock and chain and ensure it's fixed through the frame and wheels to an immovable object. A resourceful thief can simply lift off a bike that is chained to a post

Never chain your bike in an isolated location where thieves can operate without being seen

If you have a particularly valuable bike, make it more difficult for thieves by not leaving it in the same place each day

Always ensure your bike lock faces down towards the pavement. This makes it much more difficult to pick the lock

At MORE TH>N we do more to promote worry free cycling. Customers with home contents insurance also enjoy cover against bike loss or theft when away from the home of up to £5,000 as standard (limited to £1,500 per bicycle).