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.

“I have been very impressed with my Asgard Bike Storage Unit. It was easy to order and it was delivered to my house before the stated delivery time (by at least a week!) which was good. When it came to the assembly it needed 2 people but this was no surprise as we knew this from the website when we ordered. The assembly was very easy with good instructions. I was very impressed with the standard of manufacture as every hole for every screw lined up perfectly! Not once did we have to put a screw in slightly squint to make it match the corresponding hole. It has since kept our 2 adult bikes, 2 kids bikes, 2 scooters and a pressure washer secure and dry even in the recent awful weather. Using it is very quick, easy and convenient. It wasn’t cheap but I think it is well worth the money and I have recommended to several of my friends and got quite a lot of interest when I proudly posted a picture of it on Facebook! I have attached a picture of it completed and in place. I hope you find this feedback helpful and feel free to use it on your website (let me know if you are so I can have a look!)”

DM

“The unit is fantastic, I’m very happy with my purchase. Assembly was a doddle! Took less than an hour to assemble even with a couple of tea breaks thrown in. The delivery was perfect. Your guy turned up exactly when he said he would. Was very polite and help in getting the unit parts round the back of my mid-terraced house.

Thank you very much! I would highly recommend any Asgard unit to a friend or family”!

“Hello, i chose your product as it was one of the only secure insurance  approved small garages i could find that could fit my Triumph Rocket 3  inside with enough room to spare. 

“I  have been very impressed with my Asgard Bike Storage Unit. It was easy to order and it was delivered to my house before the stated delivery time (by at least a week!) which was good. When it came to the assembly it needed 2 people but this was no surprise as we knew this from the website when we ordered. The assembly was very easy with good instructions. I was very impressed with the standard of manufacture as every hole for every screw lined up perfectly! Not once did we have to put a screw in slightly squint to make it match the corresponding hole. It has since kept our 2 adult bikes, 2 kids bikes, 2 scooters and a pressure washer secure and dry even in the recent awful weather. Using it is very quick, easy and convenient”.

“It wasn’t cheap but I think it is well worth the money and I have recommended to several of my friends and got quite a lot of interest when I proudly posted a picture of it on Facebook!

I have attached a picture of it completed and in place.

I hope you find this feedback helpful and feel free to use it on your website (let me know if you are so I can have a look!)

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year from one very happy customer!

David”

Asgard always listen!  Asgard products are designed for you.  The latest product from the Asgard design team is the vertical bike locker.

Asgard tell us…..

“This tough bike storage is different from all of our other products” we normally design units for regular riders (with multiple bikes) or families.  The vertical bike locker holds a single bike … vertically!

“The beauty of this product is that it takes up almost no floor space – its fantastic for clearing space in the garage or shed.  Also, as it is totally weather proof, its just as comfortable standing outside in the garden.  We think this is the most secure vertical bike locker on the market, with a 3 point locking, pick resistant lock and unique to Asgard an integral full metal full.  All galvanized to prevent rust and all covered by a 10 year warranty”.

“We have added our own twist to this product.  A heavy duty up and over wheel guide helps you to guide the bike into the locker, then a front wheel retaining clamp drops down over the front wheel to clamp the bike securely.  Leaving space either side to hang bags and helmets and ample space on the integral floor for shoes etc”

www.asgardsss.co.uk

The men were arrested following an 18-month investigation which identified 20 stolen motorcycles worth over £100,000.

Jamie Sadik, 24, James Oliver, 28, Lloyd Smith, 39, and Daniel Setters, 27, all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal.

Sadik was sentenced to 32 months in prison, Oliver 16 months and Smith and Setters 10 months each atSnaresbrook Crown Court.

Smith and Setters were also ordered to do 160 hours community service.

A fifth defendant, Dennis Keating, 44, pleaded guilty to the same offence and received 11 months suspended for 18 months and 180 hours community service.

Police launched a sting operation in June 2010 after a motorcyclist reported seeing parts of his stolen bike for sale on eBay.

An undercover officer responded to the ad and met Setters, who claimed to run a motorcycle parts business, selling an exhaust for £800.

The following week a stolen motorcycle was traced using an onboard tracking device to a lock-up near the address where Setters had sold the exhaust.

Police raided the lock-up, arrested Keating and Oliver and found a hoard of partially dismantled stolen bikes, one with Setter’s fingerprints on it. Officers also recovered the registration plate of the machine from which the exhaust had been removed.   

Sadik was arrested following a bike theft inEast Londonand linked to Oliver. Smith was linked to the sale of parts.

Detective Sergeant Danny Mayhew of Tower Hamlets said: “This complex investigation targeted and disrupted a team who were profiting from the organised theft of high value motorcycles.”

Protect your motorcycle with a good quality motorcycle storage unit and save on your motorcycle insurance.