23 months before your bike is stolen, the clock is ticking!

Posted on January 12, 2013 by tarahamilton

A recent survey carried out by insurer LV found that on average, a person’s bike is stolen just 23 months into ownership. If you and your beloved bike are heading towards this milestone you will want to up your bike security.

This survey found that 1 in 5 bike owners have their bikes stolen after just 6 months. Most of the people surveyed expect to keep their bikes for 10 years, but with the rate of bike thefts rising this simply isn’t the case.

A third of bike thefts still go unreported as victims feel that there is a very low chance of ever getting their bike back. This lack of reporting leads people to believe that bike theft isn’t as big of an issue as it is made out to be. However, even with a third of thefts going unreported, bike theft has risen by 7% in the last year.

Don't fall victim to theft

Don’t fall victim to theft

3 in 10 of those questioned said their bike was stolen from their garage or shed and a fifth reported their bike being stolen from their driveway. Fewer precautions seem to be taken when it comes to bike security at the home. However this is just as important as bike security when you are out and about. If your garage or shed is easily accessible, then it won’t take much for a thief to work their way inside and if you own an expensive bike it is possible that a bike thief has spotted you and followed you home for the chance to steal your bike. Reports suggest this is a particular problem in Bristol, with gangs following cyclist’s home and returning to steal their bikes.

If you are concerned about the security of your bike there are a few things you can do to ramp up the security:

  • Always lock your bike and use two locks when you can – a D lock and chain together is a good way to deter a thief.
  • Buy the best lock you can afford.
  • Remove all valuable items from your bike if leaving it in a public place.
  • If your return to find your tyre has been punctured, never leave the bike overnight, walk it home.
  • If using your bike at night, lock it up in a busy and well lit area.
Secure your bike at home

Secure your bike at home

If you want more protection for your bike at home or live in an area that has been targeted by bike thieves, it may be worth investing in secure storage for your bike. Asgard has a range of secure bike storage units designed specifically to house your bike and cycling accessories. Asgard bike storage offers the best in bike security, providing you with peace of mind. These steel bike storage units are made from tough galvanised steel and are fitted with strong locking systems and pick resistant locking mechanisms, designed to keep thieves out!  Check out the full range of secure bike storage on the Asgard website.

Figures and information provided by Road.cc

Filed under: asgard, Bicycle Security, bike chain lock, bike D lock, bike shed, Bike storage, bike theft, cycle theft, cycling | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Stolen bicycles found in polytunnel in New Forest

Posted on December 21, 2012 by nazishs

Stolen bicycles found in polytunnel in New Forest

Bicycles found in Pennington polytunnel

Police said thieves were targeting the most valuable bicycles, leaving others behind

More than 100 bicycles have been discovered in a polytunnel in the New Forest by police investigating a spate of bike thefts.

Hampshire police said at least 50 cycles had been reported stolen in the Lymington, Brockenhurst and New Milton areas since September.

The hoard was discovered in a polythene greenhouse near Pennington.

Five people have been arrested in connection with the investigation. Three men remain on bail.

Officers said 28 top-of-the-range bicycles were stolen in the Lymington area in October, compared with one during the same period in 2011 and three in 2010.

Police said the number of thefts was comparable to Portsmouth, which has a population 14 times larger.

‘Quality D-lock’

Sgt Harry Wilson, of Hampshire Constabulary, said he believed a group of people working together were targeting valuable bikes.

Three men from the New Forest area, aged 20, 23 and 52, have been arrested and bailed, police said.

A 14-year-old has been cautioned in connection with a single bike theft and an 18-year-old man has been reported for summons in connection with a single bike theft.

PC Ian Cross said: “It is notable that almost every single cycle stolen in this series of thefts was secured using a chain or cable lock.

“These will stop the opportunist thief but a good quality D-Lock secured around the frame is by far the best deterrent to a determined criminal.”

Officers are now contacting victims of cycle theft and are urging anyone else who has lost a bicycle to come forward.

Beat bike theft with a Secure Metal Bike Store.

Filed under: bicycle alarm, bicycle cable lock, bike cable lock, bike chain lock, bike D lock, bike locks, Bike locks/security, cycle storage, cycle theft, cycling, Uncategorized | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | 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.

what to do when your bike is stolen

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.

Read more >

To deter thieves from preying on your bike, it is always recommended investing in a heavy duty lock to use on your bike when you are away from your home. There are a world of bike locks, alarms and ground anchors out there to choose from,  Asgard secure storage have a wide range visit their website to see the full range.

Filed under: bicycle alarm, bicycle cable lock, bicycle combination lock, bicycle locks, Bicycle Security, bike alarm system, bike cable lock, bike chain lock, Bike Locker, bike locks, Bike locks/security, Bike storage, bike theft, cycle locks, cycle storage, cycle theft, cycling, Secure storage, security locks, Storing your bike | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | 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.

Bike Radar Magazine

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
access bike UK

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: , , , , , , , | 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.

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: , , , , | 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

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

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?

WorkRiders for cycling to 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 CO2 emissions 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: , , , , , | 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!”

Addition shed assembly

“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: , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Oxford Bike Chain Locks and Ground Anchors.

Posted on September 26, 2011 by nazishs

Cycling is all about being free and riding in the wind but unfortunately there is a serious element to bikes – and that is the risk of bike theft.

According to a study by the insurance company Direct Line, there are ’1,200 bikes are stolen every day’ (Source: The Independent News Online).  Most of those cycles are stolen because they are either left unlocked for a short period of time or are not correctly secured.  And even when bicycle locks have been used, some locks will be picked or broken by thieves who can spot cheap, poor-quality locks.  By purchasing a suitable, robust lock and using it correctly, most cycle theft can be prevented.

Bike lock chain

Are you using your bicycle lock correctly?

Choosing the right bike lock

When purchasing a lock, the best rule-of-thumb is to spend at least 10% of the cost of your cycle on the lock and never to spend less than £20 on the lock.  We also recommend choosing a keylock – combination locks are very easy to break into and offer little security to the professional bike thief.

Once you have a suitable heavy duty lock, make sure you are using it correctly.  To properly lock your bicycle – simply loop the chain through the frame, and round an immovable object.

“Through the frame” means through a closed section of the bicycle frame, such as the front triangle. Additionally, if the lock can also pass through a wheel, it provides additional security.

“Round an immovable object” means anything which is bolted down, such as a cycle rack or an iron railing.

If your immovable object is a signpost, be sure that the cycle and lock cannot be lifted over the top of the post. Additionally, a cable (with loops at each end) and a tough padlock is useful when locking a cycle to a larger object such as a lamppost or road sign.

Oxford Bike Lock Sale!

Oxford Bike Locks and chains

If you are looking for the best in bike security, choose a ‘Sold Secure’ product – which has been independently tested to a high standard.

Asgard offer a range of high quality bike security locks to suit your needs, ranging from Sold Secure approved Ground Anchors for Motorbikes and Bicycles, to portable bike locks such as the Nemesis bike lock, the Oxford Loop Lock, and the Hardcore Bike Chain.

Buy a new Chain Lock and Ground Anchor at SPECIAL WAREHOUSE CLEARANCE PRICES from the Asgard Bike Locks website.

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, cycle locks, motorbike locks, motorcycle lock, Quad bike security, security locks | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Get covered with specialist Bike Insurance

Posted on September 1, 2011 by nazishs

We understand how precious our bikes are to us – that is why we manufacture the most secure bike sheds around to keep them safe from theft.  But to make sure you are protected when you are out and about, we recommend getting an additional Bicycle Insurance to cover from theft and damage to your cycle.

Get discounted Cycle Insurance when you order your Asgard Bike Shed for complete peace of mind.

Get discounted Cycle Insurance when you order your Asgard Bike Shed for complete peace of mind.

Asgard Storage, the experts in bicycle security and storage have teamed up with Bike Insurance provider Protect your Bubble Insurance to offer special discounted Bike Insurance to all Asgard Customers.  For a limited time only, you can get 10% off Bike Insurance when you order a Bike Storage Unit from Asgard.

Protect Your Bubble Bike Insurance

Protect Your Bubble Bike Insurance

How to Claim your Bike Insurance discount?

1)       Simply place your order for your Asgard Bike shed from our wide range of secure Bike Storage Units.

2)       When you receive your automated email acknowledgement – note down your Order Number.

3)       Then simply email us with your Order Number to receive your exclusive insurance discount voucher.

4)       Visit the Protect your Bubble website and apply the discount code when taking out the Cycle Insurance.

Protect your bike today with suitable storage and Insurance cover but hurry – this offer is limited so be quick!

Any Questions?

Please contact us if you have any questions about the Protect your Bubble Bike Insurance offer, or visit their website : http://www.protectyourbubble.com/bicycle-insurance

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, cycle locks, cycle storage | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

The Asgard Motorbike Storage Unit is featured in Cycling Weekly Magazine!

Posted on August 26, 2011 by nazishs
There are many of you out there with a passion for bikes – whether they are pedal or engine powered…or both! And if you are a 2 –wheeled fan, you may have an impressive collection of bicycles, motorbikes and an assortment of riding gear and accessories accumulated over the years.
Cycling expert Mike Hawkins – the Product and Technical Editor on Cycling Weekly Magazine says that keen cyclists can have up to 4 types of bicycles acquired over time as they become more involved with the sport, and that the passion for bikes can cross over to motorbikes and scooters as well.
However owning so many bikes can be a problem when it comes to storing them all and suggests the Motorbike Storage unit from Asgard. This tough bike sheds is made from galvanised steel panels and designed with a unique locking mechanism to offer maximum security for your bikes and accessories.
Read the Asgard Motorbike Storage Unit feature taken from the June 2011 issue of Cycling Weekly Magazine.
Cycling Weekly Asgard Review
Do you have more then one type of bike you need to store? Discover the full range of outdoor bike storage units from Asgard for your bikes 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, Bike storage, cycle locks, cycle storage | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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