Paying more attention to the safety of your bike will be beneficial all the time. At the very least, make your bike harder to steal than other bikes. Take the extra time and money to protect your bike and learn how to find it if all else fails.
Step
Part 1 of 5: Locking the bike safely
Step 1. Remove the front wheel
If your bike has a front wheel that can be easily removed, remove the wheel and place it on the rear wheel to lock it together.
If you can't open the front wheel, or your lock isn't long enough to hold the two wheels together, secure the rear wheel first and think about alternatives
Step 2. Secure the wheels and frame of the bike to an immovable object
by using a "D" or "U" lock, secure the back of the bike to another object. Place the "U" section around the rear or front wheel rim, frame, on the non-moving pin, and attach the straight bar to the "U" wrench to lock it.
- See the suggested "U" lock, and choose a lock location and how to choose a place to lock your bike.
- If your U lock is too small to attach to anything else, use the lock on the rear wheel and attach it to the inside of the triangular frame of the bike at the back. Usually this will be enough to make the bike thief lazy, because he has to damage the bicycle tire to get the bike.
- Do not attach the U lock to the top of the bicycle frame, this will make it easier for thieves to damage the lock.
Step 3. Secure the front wheel (if not removed)
Front wheels are cheaper than rear wheels. but you still have to secure it, because it could be a thief will take the wheel.
- You can wrap a wire lock around the front wheel and frame of the bike, as well as the rear wheel if the wire is long enough. Lock with padlock.
- For better security, also use a second U lock to secure the front wheel to the frame.
Step 4. Remove and secure the accessories before you leave the bike
Bags, lights, bells, reflectors and anything that can be removed must be removed or secured with a key.
Step 5. Secure the saddle with a long cable
Use a D lock on the rear wheel through frames and stationary objects. Secure the front wheel using one end of the cable by inserting it in, and loop it into the saddle, find both ends and lock it with a D padlock.
Part 2 of 5: Use quality padlocks
Step 1. Invest in quality locks
Cheap padlocks can be easily dismantled, especially those purchased at dollar stores and small sports shops. (And thieves know the difference). You can get better locks at a bike shop or a major sports shop.
Step 2. Use two or more different keys
Using at least two quality locks (as listed below) will prevent thieves with only one type of lock-breaking device from stealing your bike, as it will be more difficult for them.
Step 3. Choose a small, strengthened u-key
Also called a D lock, the rigid arch will bind the frame or wheel to a solid object. The smaller the U lock, the more difficult it will be for a thief to break it open with a crowbar or other tool.
- For the best security, choose a U lock that is the right size to lock the rear wheel, frame and the object where you want to lock it.
- When the space inside the U lock is as small as possible, the U lock material must be thick and strong.
Step 4. Consider a heavy chain
A sufficiently thick chain (ideally 15 mm or more) is an excellent key to getting rid of thieves. However, this chain will of course be heavier.
- Chains are usually locked with a padlock, which could be their weak point. Use as thick a padlock as possible to prevent the padlock cutting tool from damaging it.
- A short chain to lock your wheel to another object will be much lighter to carry than a long chain to chain both wheels. In this case, you need an additional key (which will be even better for you).
Step 5. Use a cable lock as a complement
You can buy thick cable locks (20mm) that are hard to cut, but they will serve more of a theft deterrent, not your sole means of securing the bike.
Cable locks can also be used to secure less expensive bicycle accessories, such as baskets
Part 3 of 5: Choosing a key position
Step 1. Get to know your surroundings
Whenever possible, avoid leaving your bike in a theft-prone location. Your local bicycle shop or police station knows where it is.
Step 2. Try to lock your bike in front of some people hanging out somewhere
Avoid locking the bike where people hang out. People passing by your bike may be intent on stealing your bike or taking your bike as soon as you leave it.
Step 3. Don't use the train station
Thieves know where cyclists have left their bikes during the day, and they are more likely to steal the bikes.
Step 4. Choose a location that is well lit and lots of people walking
The more pedestrians there are, the harder it will be for a thief to break the lock.
If possible, lock your bike in a location highlighted by surveillance cameras. If your bike is stolen, you may still get a recording of the theft and then try to get it back
Step 5. Find a strong place to lock your bike
Don't assume a bike rack is a safe place. Use the following items when you lock the bike:
- Thick and sturdy. Do not choose a thin wooden or iron fence that is easily damaged by thieves.
- Difficult to disassemble. Check for rails or bolts that can be easily removed by thieves.
- Perfectly fasten to the ground. Strong group of thieves will easily lift your bicycle mooring object. Shake the traffic signs to check if they are firmly planted in the ground.
- Impossible to lift your bike. Tall thieves will easily lift your bike from the mooring, and take it home to then break the lock in their place. Try using a tether where both ends are embedded in the ground, such as a sturdy bicycle rack, as a really serious thief might be able to use a rope to lift your bike off a high tether.
Step 6. Place your bike between other bikes
Usually thieves target bicycles that are locked at the end to make it easier for them..
Make sure you don't lock your bike on another bike with a sloppy cable lock
Part 4 of 5: Get rid of thieves and prepare for theft
Step 1. Replace your wheel opener with one that is more difficult to open
Many bicycles use quick release tools for the wheel and saddle, which can be opened very easily. Many thieves are happy enough to get a saddle or wheels.
- Grille locks, available at bike shops or online, require a special key to open (at least some extra effort on the part of the thief). Just remove the quick release tool and insert a safer tool into the axle.
- Some types of cheap bars will attach with a hex wrench, which can be removed with a regular tool (hex or allen wrench), but will prevent theft.
- Never leave the tool to open the spokes near an unattended bicycle.
Step 2. Secure the saddle there
If you don't use a locking device, you can use a chain to fasten the saddle to the frame:
- Wrap the tape along the chain. This is to prevent your bike from being scratched.
- Wrap the chain on the underframe parallel to the bicycle chain, then guide it to the saddle, securing it by tightening the chain with pliers.
Step 3. Write your name on the bike
It will be more difficult to sell a bike that is easily recognizable. Use a marker to write your name or on each side of the rod and the top of the bike frame.
If you write your name on the frame, protect it with some clear insulating sheets. It's not hard to open, but every obstacle will make the thief will choose an easier target
Step 4. Make your bike unattractive
Before you enter a high-crime location, disguise your bike by using tape around the frame, saddle and handlebars. (This makes it look like you're repairing or hiding damage.)
If you have a nice and expensive bike, take it with you, don't leave it. You can also replace it with a used saddle when you use your bike for daily activities
Step 5. Save proof of ownership
An easy way is to take a picture of yourself and your bicycle at home, holding a piece of paper with your bicycle serial number on it.
Usually the serial number is found on the axle of the wheel. Another location could be between the center of the handlebar holder and the underframe parallel to the bicycle chain. Ask a friend who knows or at a bike shop
Step 6. Register your bike
Register your bike for free with Bike Sheperd or any other database to get unique scan stickers, send theft alarms and other benefits.
Step 7. Install the GPS tracker
Especially for expensive or sentimental bikes, add a little money to buy a GPS tracker designed to securely attach to your bike. This allows you or the police to track the position of your bike when it was stolen.
Part 5 of 5: Getting back the stolen bike
Step 1. Report to the police immediately
Give your bike serial number if you know. You can do this online, but reporting in person will get a quicker response.
Tell the police about your GPS tracker if you have one
Step 2. Register your stolen bike on an online database
There are several websites that store stolen bike data. You can enter information about your bike for free.
Step 3. Spread the word
Tell your friends that your bike was stolen, post it on social media, and tell people near where your bike was stolen, such as a shopkeeper where you parked your bike. The more people find out your bike is gone, the more likely it is to come back.
Make sure you provide your contact number and detailed information about your bike
Step 4. Post an announcement about a stolen bike on a telephone pole, or online
Craigslist or other online announcement sites have a special place to report theft. If you receive information, report it to the police.
Step 5. Request CCTV video footage if available
Go back to the location where your bike disappeared and see if there is CCTV in the vicinity. Report it to the building that owns the camera and ask the police or the owner to identify the thief.
Step 6. Keep an eye out for online bike ads that are similar to your bike, such as eBay, Gumtree, and Craigslist, these are common places where bike thieves sell their stolen goods
. Check, don't let one of the models being sold is yours. If you believe it's yours, report it to the police and the website owner.
The easiest way to do this is to set up automatic alerts on the site that can email you whenever a bike of that type is offered. The process can be different on each site, look for it in the FAQ section, set alerts, auto search or saved search
Step 7. Visit local flea shops and other places where used bikes are sold
Find out where used bikes are usually sold in your area. If you see your bike, make sure it's yours and call the police.
Step 8. Enter a claim on insurance
A stolen bicycle may be covered by your home insurance coverage, but you must claim it on time.
If you are using a high-security lock, contact the manufacturer and if they have an anti-theft guarantee
Step 9. Don't take the risk to take your own bike
Once you know where your bike is, call the police to ask for it, rather than taking the risk of hurting you.
Tips
- Make life difficult for thieves. If it looks difficult, they will look for another victim.
- Famous bicycle locks like Kryptonite, Abus, Trelock and Squire.
- If you buy food, place the bike in a place where someone can watch it.
- Remove all lights and reflectors from the bike before leaving it.
- If possible, secure the saddle and handlebars with wire ties.
Warning
- Make sure the key is not resting on the ground. This will provide a solid base for the thief to beat it to shreds with a hammer or crowbar.
- Don't leave any easily removable accessories on the bike when you leave it. If you are cycling in crowded places or tourist areas, take turns with your friends to keep an eye on your bike.
- Insurance may require the type of key you must use before you can file a claim. Make sure before you buy a key.
- Do not lock your bicycle in the wrong place or block the way of others, such as in an alley or on a wheelchair access road. If there are cars that feel disturbed, they could just run over your bike.
