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How to secure your bike

Posted on September 21, 2012 by tarahamilton

I swore I locked my bike before I left it. I did, didn’t I? Did I even leave it here? Am I lost? Where’s my bike? If these thoughts have ever run through your mind, you’ll know how quickly confusion turns to panic, when you realise that in fact you are in the right place, yes you did lock your bike but not well enough and now it has been stolen! That’s right, some light fingered thief has ridden away with your bike. To avoid this feeling, there are plenty of things that you can do to keep your bike secure while you are out and about. Bike security is no joke, it’s you against them, so make sure you win.

How to lock your bike properly

That’s right, how to lock your bike properly. You would be surprised at the amount of people who don’t lock their bike securely.

Here are a few good rules to follow:

Your bike should be more secure than the one next to it. Make your bike the least accessible, the thief will go for the easier target.

Never rely solely on a cable lock to secure your bike. They are far too easy to snip off.

In the case of u-locks, small is better. This is because they provide less room for a leverage based attack.

Use more than 1 locking mechanism. The more difficult you make it, the better.

Other forms of bike security

Give an alarmed bike lock a go. Take a look at the screamer bike lock available from Asgard. This is enough to scare any bike thief and provides extra bike security alongside existing bike locks.

Get some cycle insurance, if theft is a big problem in your area, this will come in handy.

Don’t leave your bike parked in the same place every day.

If possible, take any removable items with you.

Sources: TFL and Life Hacker

Filed under: bicycle alarm, bicycle cable lock, bicycle combination lock, Bicycle Security, bike alarm system, Bike locks/security, cycling | Tagged: bike, Bike locks, bike security tips, cycling | Leave a Comment »

Your bike has been stolen, what do you do?

Posted on June 14, 2012 by tarahamilton

With bike theft a continuing threat, what would you do if you suddenly discovered your bike had been stolen? Should you leave it to the police, head round with some heavies or jump on the black-market merry-go-round and buy it back?At a loss? … the police warn against attempting to take a stolen bike back by force.

Your beloved bike has been stolen, and as per the advice all over the internet you’ve been scouring eBay and Gumtree for it. But if you do spot it, what next?

The obvious first answer is to contact the police; either your local station or, if you’re in London, the Metropolitan Police Service’s Cycle Task Force (cycletaskforce@met.police.uk). They urge bike owners to follow the 3 Rs – record, register (including a photo) and report (if stolen) – to maximise the chances of getting your bike back.

Reporting a sighting to the police does work out very well for some people. Charlotte Barnes and Julian Norman had eight of their bikes stolen from their garage, saw a couple of them for sale on eBay and got in touch with the Met Cycle Task Force. After a nailbiting week or so, all eight bikes were returned to them. Two people have since been arrested in connection with the case.

“I was initially concerned that they were taking quite a while before starting work on our case,” Charlottesays. “It just reflects how thin they’re stretched fighting cycle crime inLondon.” The statistics bear that out: only 2% ofLondon cycle crime was “detected” last year (ie with a suspect charged), although the number of returned bikes is probably a little higher than that. Nationwide, it’s estimated that around 5-8% of stolen bikes are returned to their owners.

According to Vicky Barnes of the Met, “each case is dealt with individually, and the length of time to act will vary”. Inevitably, given the numbers, there’s a risk that a bike will be sold on before the police are able to tackle the case. If you don’t think the police will act fast enough, what are your other options?

It might be tempting to round up a couple of hefty mates to have a “chat” with the thief. That advice certainly shows up a lot on bike forums – largely, it seems, from people who’ve never actually tried it. WhileCharlottedid know of a couple of people who’d successfully applied “overwhelming strength of numbers”, she and Julian never seriously considered that option. It’s certainly far from safe – remember, you’re dealing with people who are already on the wrong side of the law – and the police strongly recommend against it.

If you’re really desperate to get your bike back and you’re worried that the police won’t get there in time, it may seem safer (if infuriating) just to show up and buy it back.Charlotteadmits that winning the eBay auctions was their backup plan, “which gave us the option of turning up to collect them with local officers in tow”. Paying a thief for your own bike is going to be painful – but is it more or less painful than losing it?

Even then, it’s not that straightforward. There’s the known scam in which the seller mugs you for the cash when you turn up to buy the bike. Worse, if you’ve already contacted the police, by getting in touch with the seller you might screw up their operation.

Jon C saw his stolen bike being offered at a “seriously cheap” price online, with the police unable to investigate for a couple of days. Nervous that it would go, he phoned the seller, thinking he might just buy it back. When the arrangements began to increasingly seem like a setup for a mugging, and no local police officer was free to go along with him, he reluctantly backed out. Afterwards, the seller stopped answering the phone, the police were unable to go further and the bike is still sadly missing.

Agonising though the wait is, it probably is best to pass it on to the police and hope for the best. You can always fill in the waiting time by getting over those nagging feelings of disloyalty to your old steed early and planning the replacement bike you’ll get if it all goes to pot.

Keep your Bicycle Safe and Secure

Posted on January 23, 2012 by tracey42

Today we have a guest blogger -

In the UK, a bicycle is stolen on average every minute; with less than 5% of those returned as they’re difficult for the Police to identify the owner. Current research suggests that cyclists are more likely to have their bicycles stolen than motorcyclists their motorcycle or car owners their cars these days! – Bicycle theft has doubled in the UK since the mid 1990s, probably due to the increasing popularity of expensive models and innovative ways of selling stolen goods online.

Take action against these unscrupulous thieves and protect your belongings, including your bicycle!

REDUCE THE CHANCES OF YOUR BICYCLE BEING STOLEN USING A BICYCLE LOCK.

Only use a good quality lock. A poor quality lock at the lower end of the market can be easily sawn through or bolt cropped in seconds. It certainly pays to invest in the best quality lock you can afford (At least £30 -£40). Always lock your bicycle to something immovable, an object a bicycle cannot be lifted over and cannot be broke, cut or removed i.e. chain link fencing, grilles, gates or trees – check the object is fastened to the ground. For maximum protection use two locks of different types (a D-lock and robust chain and padlock is ideal) Use each lock to catch the wheels, frame and stand – Fill up as much of the space within the D-lock as possible with the bicycle. (See the diagram left). The Asgard screamer lock is brilliant security for cycles with disk brakes!

AT HOME

As many as half of all bicycles are stolen from the owner’s home – Always lock your bike at home even when it is in your garage, flat or halls of residence. Please be vigilant when returning from a ride!! Consider investing in a ground anchor and attach it securely to a wall or concrete floor. For ultimate security, why not invest in a secure steel shed with a decent locking system. Make sure you keep your bicycle out of view of prying eyes as this alone will provide an irresistible incentive to break in to your property.

BICYCLE INSURANCE

If you own a decent bicycle then it is probably a good idea to insure it. There are several ways you can do this; Insure your bicycle on your home contents insurance – don’t forget to cover it for thefts away from home. More expensive bicycles may require specific insurance cover against theft and accidental damage. Consider an insurance approved cycle shed these will not only secure your bike but will often get get a discount off your insurance premiums.

For more help and advice on cycle security.

Filed under: bicycle alarm, bicycle cable lock, bicycle combination lock, bicycle locks, bike cable lock, Bike Locker, Bike locks/security, Bike storage, bike theft, Outdoor activities | Tagged: Bike storage, Cycle locks, cycle storage, Metal sheds, Secure storage | Leave a Comment »

How to get your bike stolen

Posted on January 8, 2012 by andyheath

How to get your bike stolen - a brilliant article from http://www.londoncyclist.co.uk

by Andreas on 21/03/2011 in SAFE CYCLING IN LONDON

It’s fairly easy to get your bike stolen and in this article I’ll talk you through some of the best ways of doing so. I know not everyone wants to have their bike stolen, in the same way, so please feel free to choose one of the methods below that most suits you.

Method 1: £45 for a bike lock?

When you are buying a bike ask if you need a bike lock. Of course, the assistant will foolishly say yes – little does he or she know that you want your bike to be stolen. Play along but purchase the cheapest one you can find. I strongly recommend avoiding the Kryptonite New York 3000 as that is likely to majorly hinder theft. Instead, choose something that looks like it could be cut with a pair of children’s safety scissors.

Method 2: One is more than enough

Walking past bike stands you may notice a number of cyclists use two bike locks. Believe it or not, it’s even frequently recommended by police stickers left on bike stands! Fools! Little do they know how much they are inconveniencing thieves and how much they are decreasing the chances that their bike will be stolen. To that end make sure you only ever “secure” your bike with one bike lock.

Method 3: Time to play a game of chance

One of my absolute favourite ways of getting my bike stolen is to leave it somewhere unlocked. Preferably, my back garden. Then a thief is easily able to open the garden gate (of course leave this unlocked) and ride off with the bike. However, don’t restrict your creativity just to the back garden. When you pop in to buy some milk at the corner shop leave your bike outside for a few minutes unlocked – if you are lucky an opportunistic thief will have that.

Method 4: Take cue from the UK’s prime minister

One man who knows exactly how to get his bike stolen is David Cameron. Often known as theUK’s prime minister but less frequently known for his hilarious bike locking antics. To execute this method start by finding a post you can lock your bike to. The post should be have a maximum height of 1.5 to 2 meters. Just enough for a bike thief to be able to easily lift the bike off and ride off with it. Brilliant and hilarious!

Some people have also had success locking their bike to a post with a sign above it. Whilst common sense would say that a thief wouldn’t be able to lift the bike off they have been known to cut the top of the post off.

Method 5: You don’t need to be a Houdini

Someone who wants to get their bike stolen needs to be familiar with how not to lock their bike. Unfortunately, with an abundance of information on “how to lock your bike” this information has sadly often remained hard to find. This forum post provides some inspiration. The best thing to do is to focus on locking just one part of your bike. I highly recommend locking just the front wheel to a bicycle stand.

Of course, some strange people amongst you don’t want to have their bike stolen. In which case you might find these articles of interest:

See more here on the original post. SAFE CYCLING IN LONDON

Filed under: bicycle cable lock, bicycle combination lock, bicycle locks, Bicycle Security, Bike Locker, Bike locks/security, bike shed, bike shelter, cycle storage, cycle theft, cycling | Tagged: Bike locks, Bike Security, Bike storage, bikes, Cycle locks | Leave a Comment »

Customer Review – The Access Bicycle Shed from Asgard

Posted on December 7, 2011 by nazishs

The Access Bike Shed is a popular bicycle storage solution with leading bike publications such as Bike Radar Magazine, Descent World and Cycling Plus – as well as with Asgard’s customers.

Bike Radar Magazine were hugely impressed with the Access Bike Shed – saying the unit had “excellent attack-proof design” and give it 4.5 stars out of 5 for its high quality, robust and secure design.

And they are not the only ones full of praise about Asgard! John Bennett, one customer who recently bought an Access bike storage unit through the Asgard website gives his feedback on the customer service received as well as his thoughts on the bike storage unit.

“I am very happy with my bike storage and your excellent service and happy to review it as below.

“I bought my Bike Storage x 4 to use for storing 2 children’s bikes and a whole heap of garden tools and outdoor equipment in our back garden. While security was an important issue, the high build quality was what attracted me to this unit rather than others. The unit is very secure, sturdy and well constructed giving that fantastic winning combination of an excellent piece of practical and well crafted design as well as top quality manufacturing that makes the unit feel like it will last a lifetime. The internal shelves and hooks provides an easy and tidy way to also store the whole range of cycling extras such as helmets, pumps, as well as gardening tools in my case.

The sales side of my purchase was also excellent. I emailed to ask a question whether I could use the unit on stable decking rather than concrete and I got a knowledgeable and trusted answer immediately to say yes. When asking about delivery dates I was put in contact with an engaging person who I felt took the care and responsibility and proactive follow up to ensure I received the unit when they said I would. The guy who installed it for me was courteous and took pride in what he was doing and the company he worked for. This really is how service should be done and I really appreciated and enjoyed receiving this nowadays rare level of excellence from the whole team.”

John Bennett

Asgard has received top customer reviews for its range of high quality, secure bicycle storage units.

For more secure bicycle sheds, see the full bicycle storage range from Asgard here.

Filed under: asgard, bicycle alarm, bicycle cable lock, bicycle combination lock, bicycle locks, Bicycle Security, bike alarm system, bike cable lock, bike chain lock, Bike Locker, bike shed, bike shelter, Bike storage, Case studies, cycle storage | Tagged: Bike storage, cycle storage, Best sheds, customer review, asgard bike shed review, access bike shed review, customer feedback for Asgard bike shed, best way to store 4 bikes | Leave a Comment »

Police in Sheffield advise the public following bicycle thefts in the city centre

Posted on November 16, 2011 by nazishs

Sheffield City Centre Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) are urging people to keep their property and personal belongings secure, particularly cyclists following an increase in bicycle thefts across the city centre.

Officers have seen an increase in the last month in the theft of bicycles in the city centre. This is not a crime for which high volumes are generally reported, but between August and September 2011, there has been an increase of nine bicycle thefts in the Sheffield city centre areas. The thefts have been occurring during the day when the bicycles are parked up around the city centre.

bike safety advice from the South Yorkshire Police

Bike Security advice from the South Yorkshire Police

Inspector Alex Murthi from the City Centre SNT said: “Opportunist thieves will not think twice about taking property that is left unattended or insecure. We are urging the public to be vigilant and for cyclists to properly secure their bikes when left unattended.

“We are working to tackle this issue, with officers from the City Centre SNT increasing both plain clothed and high visibility patrols in key areas to catch and deter any thieves. Officers have also been giving out crime prevention advice to the public. We do need the public to help us tackle this issue by following a few simple crime prevention steps given here.”

Top tips for Bike Security

To deter thieves, always ensure bikes are locked up when left unattended.
Have the crossbar stamped with your postcode as it makes it more difficult for the bike to be sold on and less likely to be stolen
Park your bike in well-lit and well used areas.
Use proper cycle racks and do not chain to lamp posts.
Register your bike for free on the national property database Immobilise by entering the bike frame number on www.immobilise.com. Should the bike be stolen, it can be identified and traced back to the original owner if found

For more information on how to secure your property or to arrange to have your bike stamped with your postcode, contact your local safer neighbourhood team by visiting the South Yorkshire Police website or calling 0114 2202020 for details of your local safer neighbourhood team.

(Article Source : The South Yorkshire Police website)

Cycle Security in the City

If you live and cycle in a large city, you need to make sure your bike is protected at all times. Asgard are a leading manufacturer of the most secure bike storage units avauialble in the UK – so whether you have one bike or three, these metal bike sheds will help keep your bicycle safe and secure at all times.

The Twin Bike Locker is a popular storage locker for urban commuters.

To see the full range of the Asgard bike storage range, visit the Asgard Bike sheds webpage here.

Filed under: bicycle alarm, bicycle cable lock, bicycle combination lock, bicycle locks, Bicycle Security, bike alarm system, bike cable lock, bike chain lock, bike D lock, Bike Locker, bike locks, Bike locks/security, bike shed, bike shelter, cycle locks, twin bike locker | Tagged: bicycle storage london, Bike Security, bike sheds in london, compare bike sheds, secure bike sheds | Leave a Comment »

WorkRiders – Encouraging you to cycle to work.

Posted on October 26, 2011 by nazishs

If you cycle to work, you may have already heard of, or even taken advantage of the UK Government’s ‘Cycle to Work Scheme’ – encouraging
employees to keep fit, help the environment and save money in the process.

Cycling to work is becoming more popular and cost effective with new Government Schemes

But if you haven’t been able to get a new bike through the scheme, then ‘Workriders’ may be able to help.

What is WorkRiders?

WorkRiders is a new approach to cycling to work. It is a simple, easy to use web based solution providing employees with an easy, tax
efficient route to start cycling to work with the help of their local independent retailer.

WorkRiders is the only cycling to work provider endorsed by the Association of Cycle Traders, the only organisation dedicated to specialist cycle retailing. They have provided more information on the scheme as well as the benefits of choosing ‘WorkRiders’ on the Cycling Experts website here.

Why Choose WorkRiders?

Access WorkRiders Authorised – Retailers across the UK making it easier for you to find a local retailer.
Get expert advice from specialist independent cycle retailers.
With the WorkRiders Payment Card you can ride your bike away the same day – no vouchers, no quotes, no delays.
Completely online for quick, simple registration and purchase.
Choose from all products within the store, including promotional and clearance goods.

How does it work?

Why Cycle to Work?

Rising petrol prices and stressful traffic jams should be enough to push you in the direction of cycling, but if you’re still lacking motivation to get on the saddle then here are a few more benefits of cycling to work.

For your wallet – WorkRiders is tax free, salary sacrifice is taken off before tax deductions meaning you save the tax and National Insurance on the hire amount, avoid petrol costs and avoid public transport costs.
For the environment – Reduce your CO²emissions and reduce traffic congestion
For your health – Burn calories and build muscle, get fitter, boost your metabolism and immune system and lower stress levels by avoiding traffic.
For Fun! Not only is cycling a great mode of transport but it’s great fun too. Why not ride into work with friends and colleagues to make the morning commute that bit more enjoyable.

For more information on the ’Workriders’ cycle to work scheme, visit the Cycling Experts website here.

Filed under: bicycle alarm, bicycle cable lock, bicycle combination lock, bicycle locks, Bicycle Security, bike alarm system, bike cable lock, bike chain lock, Bike locks/security, bike shelter, cycle storage, Uncategorized | Tagged: commuting by bike, cycle storage at work, cycle to work scheme, cycling to work, secure bike storage, work riders cycle scheme | Leave a Comment »

900 bicycles stolen in Reading every year

Posted on October 11, 2011 by nazishs

Almost three bikes a day have been reported stolen inReading consistently for the past three years but a police expert says the problem could be all but solved if people used decent locks. These are some of the 900 bikes stolen in Reading every year which police have recovered but remain unclaimed in the station.

John McNicholas with the store of recovered bicycles at Reading police station

Around 25,000 cycle trips are made in Reading every day but almost a third of all people in theUKhave had their bikes stolen and only five per cent go on to get them back. Police seize bicycles that are either abandoned or taken as evidence and have more than 300 at Reading police station which, unless they are claimed, will be auctioned off or destroyed.

Among the bikes that often go unclaimed are the ones the thieves ride in on before choosing a better one and taking it away.

John McNicholas, crime reduction adviser for Reading police, said: “It’s a really huge crime generator – when you think of 900 bikes getting stolen every year and see the 300 that we have recovered at the station you can begin to get an idea of the scale of it.

“But in most cases it could be prevented by a decent lock. People should be wary of cheap locks. I’ve seen them sold for as little as a pound and they’re basically just a piece of wire. In some cases cycle thefts can be carried out without anyone looking terribly suspicious – but if people just make sure their bikes are locked with a good lock to a secure structure they can’t take them.

“They are often stolen from where there’s little in the way of overlooking or CCTV nearby. In the town centre most of the cycle racks are positioned so they are overlooked.”

Police store seized bicycles for three months before they are either auctioned or destroyed.

Mr McNicholas said: “One school of thought as to why we have so many that go unclaimed is, bizarrely, that thieves ride in on tatty bikes and go home on good ones, leaving the old ones behind.”

If you believe the police have your bike and can prove you own it – or you want your bike marked – contact the Thames Valley Police for more information.

(Article Source: The Get Reading Website)

Bike Security

Keep your bike safe with the Addition Bike Shed from Asgard – a secure metal storage unit described as ‘the best bike storage unit we’ve seen by a long way’ by Bike Radar .

To see the full range of secure Bike Sheds from Asgard, visit the Bike Storage product range here.

Filed under: bicycle alarm, bicycle cable lock, bicycle combination lock, bicycle locks, Bicycle Security, bike cable lock, Bike locks/security, bike shed, bike shelter | Tagged: bicycle stolen, Bike locks, Bike Security, Bike storage, bikes, Cycle locks, cycle storage, cycle theft, police recovered stolen bicycles, recovering stolen bikes, stolen bikes, stolen bikes in reading | Leave a Comment »

How long does it take to build an Addition Bike Shed from Asgard?

Posted on October 10, 2011 by nazishs

At Shedforce, one of the questions we are frequently asked about the Asgard Storage units is – ‘How long does it take to build a bike shed?

All of the Asgard sheds are delivered by their own Delivery Team who will deliver the unit in panels, along with all the fixtures and fittings required and easy to follow instructions. Providing that you have a suitable base for your shed and a friend to help you, we anticipate that a unit should take between 20 – 45 minutes to install.

If you are a DIY champion, you may find it much easier to build the unit, like our customer John Bowen who installed his Addition Bike Shed from Asgard in minutes!

“Very impressed with the quality – substantial build and excellent paint finish and good locking – the assembly was straightforward and very precise. I completed it with just a few minutes help from my wife!”

“Very useful unit for storing two bikes, car rack and other equipment.”

John Bowen

To see the full range of Cycle Storage units, visit the Asgard Cycle Bike Storage range here.

Filed under: bicycle alarm, bicycle cable lock, bicycle combination lock, bicycle locks, Bicycle Security, bike alarm system, bike cable lock, bike chain lock, bike D lock, bike locks, Bike locks/security, bike shed, bike shelter, Bulding a shed | Tagged: Bike storage, cycle storage, how long does it take to build a shed, time taken to build a shed, installing a shed, installing a bike shed | Leave a Comment »

The Cycle Show 2011

Posted on September 28, 2011 by nazishs

Visit The Cycle Show 2011 this weekend in Birmingham and get the first look at hundreds of new bikes and accessories. Nowhere else in the UK can you experience everything for cycling under one roof – whether you are looking for the latest innovations from specialist brands, wanting to try out a new road bike or see highly skilled BMX stunt riders perform, The Cycle Show offers you an amazing day out for everyone.

Supported by cycling celebrities, such as GB champs Geraint Thomas and Ed Clancy, this year the show will offer even more 2012 product launches from world leading bike brands, revamped and brand new interactive features for all cyclists of all abilities. Plus, the new look Cycle Store has with a wider selection of branded clothing, accessories, lights and shoes to buy.

Highlights

Join our 10 year celebrations in our new bigger venue and take advantage of the fabulous new demo tracks to make your day really enjoyable.
Ride out into the woodland straight from the show floor onto our state-of- the-art 1km outdoor Mountain Bike Demo Track.
Ride outside from the show floor on to 600m tarmac Road Bike Track.
Test your endurance and compete in the Indoor Triathlon
Let your kids loose on the 2 supervised Kids Test Tracks
See highly skilled riders in our exciting BMX Park/Street competition
Get face-to-face advice from the experts on what bike is right for you

The show is a great chance to meet the teams from the leading bike manufacturers, get expert advice from the professionals, see cycling celebrities, watch all-action fashion shows, have a go on the various test tracks, test your fitness, watch trials competitions, book a cycling holiday and buy all the latest cycle clothing in the Cycle Store.

Don’t miss it!

If you commute, ride on dirt, track or road, or simply enjoy a bike ride at the weekend with your friends and family; the Cycle Show is simply not to be missed. For more information and to book your tickets, visit the Cycle Show 2011 Website http://www.cycleshow.co.uk/

Filed under: bicycle alarm, bicycle cable lock, bicycle combination lock, bicycle locks, Bicycle Security, bike alarm system, bike D lock, bike locks, Bike locks/security, bike shelter, Bike storage, cycle locks, cycle storage | Tagged: bicycle show, Bike locks, Bike Security, Bike Show, Bike storage, bikes, cycling event, The Cycle Show 2011, UK bike show 2011 | Leave a Comment »

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