Thieves Get On Your Bike

Many of us are turning to alternative transport to our cars. This can be as an effort to save money or to help the environment. Whatever the reason it seems that when using our bikes we should be more careful about where we leave them.

Cyclists in the UK have been reminded to make sure their vehicle is locked up whenever it is not in use. According to a leading bank over 1 in 6 bicycles stolen in the UK every year come from people’s homes.

"Bicycles are a popular target for thieves as they can be relatively easy to steal and re-sell. It is important cyclists consider their bike security at home as well as away," commented a representative of the bank.

It may be that by increasing security, riders also save on their home insurance policies as they will have fewer claims to make.

Some suggestions for keeping your bike safe at home:

•    Make sure the bike is kept in a secure place with a door which is normally kept locked. For example your garage or shed.

•    Do not keep the bike where it can be seen in public view.

•    Ideally the bike should be locked to an immovable object such as a floor or wall mounted anchor lock for extra security.

For when you are out:

•     The more people around and the more brightly lit the area is the better, this will put off the more casual thief.

•    Make use of cycle stands where they are available this is to prevent it being a potential nuisance or hazard to other pedestrians. Never leave your bike in front of a fire exit.

•    If possible do not leave your bike in the same place on a regular basis if it is particularly expensive, bikes, like cars, can be stolen to order.

Extend your home contents insurance to cover your bike. Also you can have the make, model and frame number of your bike registered, contact your local police for details.

If you want to know about insuring your bike why not ask a question at AnswerBank Insurance.