Beware of bike theft

Posted on April 17, 2013 by tarahamilton

With summer not so far away, more people will be using their bikes and these longer days means an increased risk of bike theft. According to the home office, in the months of June, July and August bike theft rises by an extra 25%! Recent reports have already been made this year about the increasing problems with bike theft and many areas are struggling to tackle the crime. This is particularly notable in places where the number of cyclists is significantly higher than average, such as Cambridge where 52% of residents cycle at least once a week and due to the large number of cyclists in the area, Cambridge has been named the UK bike theft capital.

Make sure that your bike is protected from theft this summer, by keeping your bike secure whenever it is not in use.

Bike security at home

Make sure your bike is covered by insurance
Invest in a secure bike shed
Don’t leave your bike unsecured in front of your home
Don’t store your bike in a shed which has windows
Use a ground anchor or shed alarm for additional security

Asgard twin bike locker

Bike security when out

Lock your bike in a busy and well lit area
Try and leave your bike in an area with CCTV
Use 2 different types of lock
Make sure your bike is covered by insurance

Filed under: bicycle locks, Bicycle Security, bike shed, Bike storage, bike theft, cycling, Uncategorized | Tagged: Best sheds, Bike locks, Bike Security, Cycle locks, cycle theft | Leave a Comment »

Beat Bike Theft

Posted on February 9, 2013 by tarahamilton

As we know, bike theft is a continuing problem and figures show it is only getting worse. According to figures bike theft has become so common that it affects 1 in 5 cyclists. LV= insurance company found that a fifth of bikes are stolen within 6 months of purchase.

These new statistics have shown that bike theft has risen by 7% in the last year, however the true figure could be much larger as many as 30% of these thefts going unreported.

Have you been a bike theft victim?

Reports have also uncovered a shocking amount of repeat bike theft victims, as one in 20 have had their bikes stolen three times or more and this has cost victims an average of £220 to replace their bikes.

Research found that the most common place for bike theft is at home, with 30% of bikes being taken from sheds and garages. Make sure your bike is securely locked when you are at home. Many bike owners don’t take as much care with bike security when they are at home, as they feel less at risk of theft.

Keep your bike stored securely at home with secure bike storage from Asgard Secure Steel Storage. Our bike storage sheds are tough! If you are looking for the best bike security the Asgard Annexe is a High Security Bike Shed, with the best security for your bike. This garden bike shed has been approved by the Loss Prevention Certification Board to Level 1 and has been fitted with top security features.

Garden Bike Shed

The tough 5 point locking system, integral metal base and reinforced doors, hinges and panels all work together to keep your bike safe. See a full range of secure bike sheds on the Asgard Website.

Filed under: asgard, Bicycle Security, bike shed, Bike storage, bike theft, cycling | Tagged: Bike Security, Bike storage, bike theft, bikes, Cycle locks, cycle storage, cycle theft | Leave a Comment »

Top 10 Hotspots for Bike Theft

Posted on February 3, 2013 by tarahamilton

If you live in any of these areas you should be increasingly weary of how you store your bike. A new list has been complied of the top 10 worst places for bike thefts in England, from a survey carried out by Halifax Home Insurance.

Central London
Kingston- upon- Thames
Cambridge
Bristol
York
Oxford
Richmond and Twickenham
Brighton
Portsmouth
Nottingham

Protect your bike from theft

Bike security is always important and with 440,000 bikes stolen last year, which is an increase of 10% from the previous year, there’s nothing to say that your bike won’t be next. Keeping your bike secure at home and away should become second nature, if you don’t want to lose your bike to theft.

How to keep your bike safe when you are out and about:

Use a bike rack whenever possible and use two different kinds of locks to secure your bike.
Leave your bike in a busy and well lit area.
Mark your bike with your postcode on the frame.

How to keep your bike safe at home:

Keep your bike locked in a secure shed or garage.
Make sure your bike is always locked away when not in use.
Never leave your shed or garage door open for passers-by to see the contents.

Asgard best selling bike storage

If you don’t have storage for your bike at home, investing in a secure bike shed is one of the best ways to guarantee your bikes security when at home. Asgard is the home of the UK’s best-selling bike storage and has a range of secure bike sheds in a variety of sizes and budgets to suit all. Made from strong weatherproof steel and fitted with features to provide the best security for your bike. Find out more about these bike security sheds on the Asgard website.

Filed under: asgard, Best sheds, Bicycle Security, bike locks, cycle locks, cycling, Uncategorized | Tagged: Bike locks, Bike Security, Bike storage, bike theft, Cycle locks, cycle storage, cycle theft | Leave a Comment »

Are you getting a new bike for Christmas? Keep it safe.

Posted on December 20, 2012 by andyheath

“Bicycles can be some of the easiest vehicles for thieves and vandals to target. You can protect yourself from becoming a victim by following some simple steps.

Get a good bike lock (D locks or combination locks are best. Look for ‘Sold Secure Ltd’ approved locks, or ask for a recommendation at a bike shop)

Lock your bike to something secure, e.g. a bike rack or a lamppost. If there are no bike racks, contact your local council to ask if they can put some in. Always lock your bicycle, even if you are only leaving it for a couple of minutes

Make the lock and bike difficult to manoeuvre when parked – keep the lock away from the ground and keep the gap between the bike and lock small

Lock up removable parts (e.g. wheels) and take light fittings with you.

Have your bike’s frame security-marked or engraved.

Take out insurance, either by extending your home contents insurance or through a separate policy. Cycling organisations and bike shops may offer specialist cover.

Record and register your bike – register your bicycle model, make and frame number. Contact your local police station for further advice.

Take a clear colour photograph of your bike and make a written record of its description, including any unique features.

Keep your bike in a secure garage or shed and keep the door locked.

Keep it out of public view.

Avoid isolated places – leave your bike where a potential thief can be seen”

Asgard Bike Storage – The Best in Insurance Approved Bike Security

For the ultimate cyclists how about the Asgard Bike Maintenance Store??? Store 5 bikes or more in a tough, reinforced, all metal shed. The bike maintenance shed comes with a 5 point locking system, a pick resistance lock. This unit is big enough for a maintenance stand, so you can keep your bike not only safe and dry but in tip top condition in no matter what the weather throws at you.

Asgard bike maintenance

Keep your New Christmas bike safe this year.

Filed under: Best sheds, Bicycle Security, Bike locks/security, Bike storage, cycle storage, Metal sheds, Secure storage, Uncategorized | Tagged: Bike Security, Bike storage, Cycle locks, Outdoor Storage | Leave a Comment »

10 Top tips for cycling in winter

Posted on December 19, 2012 by nazishs

Are you ready for cycling this winter? If you haven’t prepared for the change in weather, here’s a quick check list of the most important things you’ll most likely need for a great winter cycling:

1. Lights on bike and visible clothing

Make sure you’re visible and can be seen when cycling in winter. Choose bright clothing over blues and black outfits. And, take a spare set batteries with you to work for lights. Make sure lights work and don’t ride if they don’t.

Top tips for cycling in the winter

2. Rain gear

You’ll need an outer shell protective rain/ windproof. A tip is to wear your rain/windproof coat for winter rides even when not raining to keep the damp, cold windchill off your chest.

3. Prepared to opt for alternative transport due to bad weather

Don’t be a foolhardy – When the weather turns nasty be prepared to drop cycling for other options to get to work before the weather picks up again. The change will do you good too!

4. Get warm gloves

No two ways about it – you need warm gloves and overshoes. Look for thick padded full length gloves rather than ‘waterproof’ thin gloves. Even if it rains, if there’s enough padded protection from the outside elements your hands will stay warm.

5. Overshoes

You’ll need overshoe ‘booty covers’ for this winter or your feet will freeze quickly. A tip is to go for ‘neoprene’ material. This wetsuit material will help keep your feet warm even if they get wet – it’s almost impossible to keep feet 100% dry when cycling in winter…

Be prepared to get wet and muddy during the winter season!

6. Get mudguards

An absolute must in winter because roads are more wet than in summer time. You want to avoid getting a wet bum and chest or you risk getting very cold on the bike. Also if you plan to do some club runs this winter, it’s ‘good etiquette’ to have mudguards fixed so you don’t splash others behind you in the face!

7. Wear long cycling tights

Essential to keep your legs warm when cycling. I see a few cyclists braving the Scottish winters with just shorts on – it’s an absolute NO-NO! It really isn’t necessary to train a cold injury of some sort so dress wisely and invest in a good set of long cycling winter tights.

8. Layer your clothes for extra warmth

Make sure you layer up your clothes to keep dry and warm choosing many thin layers over a few thick layers. The rule is to use a thin base layer, then a mid-layer (usually thermal fleece lined), then an outer layer (usually a double lined windproof) – that’s three layers in total.

9. Change your event wheels for winter training wheels

Ok, this is a racing tip – but if you’ve bought those top-end summer event/race wheels and still got them on your bike for winter – do remember to change these over to a cheaper set! Ideally, you shouldn’t be

training on event/race wheels anyway, but if you are, it’s imperative to get that winter bike set up, including changing to sturdier tyres.

The Twin Bike Locker from Asgard is suitable for secure bicycle storage all year round.

10. Store your Cycle in a Bike Shed

If you regularly commute to work, it’s worth investing a suitable cycle storage shed – such as the. Twin Bike Locker from Asgard. A bike shed like this installed in your garden provides easy access as and when required as well as keeping the cycle in great condition. See the full range of secure bike storage units from Asgard here

(Article Source: Easycycling Website)

Filed under: Bike Locker, cycle storage, Storing your bike, twin bike locker | Tagged: Bike storage, Cycle locks, cycle storage, cycling in the winter, storing your bike in the winter, winter bike storage | Leave a Comment »

Bike Theft Advice From The Met Police Force

Posted on December 3, 2012 by nazishs

Giving a new bike to someone this Christmas?

The Colyers Safer Neighbourhoods policing team are holding a bike marking event to help safeguard what can often be an expensive gift.

Each year around 20,000 bikes are stolen across London and although the number of bikes stolen in Bexley is relatively low new bikes at this time of the year are a likely target.

Many of the bikes recovered by police are unmarked, cannot be returned to the owners and have to be disposed of. Property marking a bike and registering it makes sense and aids police in returning it if recovered after being stolen.

If you are giving someone a new bike for Christmas make a point of joining the Colyers Safer Neighbourhoods team on Wednesday 28th December between 12 noon and 4 pm at Pier Road, Erith (outside the Safer Neighbourhoods police base).

If you are unable to attend please register any bike with the Metropolitan Police preferred database Bikeregister (for information please use the link).

Taken from
http://content.met.police.uk/Home

For help and advice on all aspects of bike security visit www.asgardsss.co.uk

Filed under: Best sheds, Bicycle Security, Bike Locker, Bike locks/security, bike shed, bike shelter, twin bike locker | Tagged: Bike locks, Bike Security, Bike storage, bikes, Cycle locks, cycle storage, Secure storage | Leave a Comment »

So you want to start cycling?

Posted on August 10, 2012 by tarahamilton

The country has become obsessed with cycling and you want to join in the fun too? No clue where to start? Well there are a few pieces of kit that you’ll need to get you started, as well as a bike, essential to keep you safe.

Helmet

A helmet is an essential piece of kit and the only thing that will protect your head if you are unfortunate enough to fall off, or get knocked off your bike. There is always an on-going debate about whether helmets should be mandatory for cyclists, but it is definitely an item worth getting.

Repair kit

A must have item in case of a break down, a puncture or need to make any adjustments. These are available at most bike shops and are great for carrying out any minor repairs and adjustments while out on the road.

Spare tube

It’s always a good idea to have a spare tube as part of your repair kit, as the most likely problem that you will have is a flat tyre.

Bike lock

A good strong bike lock will be needed when you’re out and about. Bike thieves are out in force at the moment, so the stronger the lock the better. When choosing a lock, look for; ease of use, weatherproofing and carrying. Is it easy to use? Is it weatherproof? Is it easy to carry? The answer should be yes to all of these. Take a look at this review to help you find your perfect lock.

Eye wear

Keep your eyes protected while riding, otherwise there’s nothing to stop dust and debris flying into your eyes. They also provide protection from the sun those pesky insects and tree branches.

Reflective vest

A reflective vest will help you to be seen by motorists, the brighter the better.

Lighting

A must for riding in the dark, fog or anytime where there is reduced visibility. You will need a good light for the front of your bike, this should be white with a steady or flashing beam. The rear of your bike should be fitted with a red light. When purchasing lights make sure you check: the battery type, if they are rechargeable or not and how many hours of running time it has. Lights are for your own safety as well as that of the people around you.

Rain gear

Essential for the regular commuter, unless you like getting wet!

Water bottle/ Hydration pack

It’s important to keep hydrated while you ride, especially on those long journeys. You can attach a water bottle onto your bike with a bottle cage, or you can use a hydration pack. A hydration pack is a backpack with a water filled bladder and a drinking tube.

Luggage rack

A luggage rack is a great way for you to carry all of your necessities. Racks are easy to attach to your bike and are great for carrying panniers and other accessories.

Filed under: bicycle locks, Bicycle Security, cycling, security locks | Tagged: Cycle locks, cycling | Leave a Comment »

How secure is the Addition Cycle Storage Unit from Asgard?!

Posted on August 7, 2012 by nazishs

One of the questions we constantly get from cynical cyclists is just how secure is the Addition Bike Shed?!

Many cyclists have usually seen or had a traditional bike shed in the past and how flimsy and vulnerable it is from a break-in or theft and want to know how a Asgard metal bike shed is any different.

Frequently Asked Question – Is my bike safe in as Asgard bike shed?

The answer is very simple – the Asgard Bike Sheds are designed and manufactured in a completely different way to a Wooden Bike Shed.

The obvious main reason for this is due to the fact that traditional wooden shed is made of pieces of wood, compared to the Asgard units which are made from galvanised stainless steel metal panels which are then coated with a hardwearing polyester powder coat paint. This makes all of the Asgard Sheds not only weatherproof but tough and durable.

Still not convinced?

To answer the question, we have put together a video demonstrating the locking mechanism of the Asgard Addition Bike Shed - one of the popular bike storage units.

Click on the link below to watch the Addition Bike Storage shed video.

For more information about the Addition Bike Shed, call Asgard directly on 08456 580 730 or browse through the Bike/Cycle Storage section on the Asgard website.

Filed under: bicycle alarm, Bicycle Security, bike locks, Bike locks/security, bike shed, bike shelter, Bike storage, Buyers Guide, cycle locks, cycle storage | Tagged: addition bike shed, asgard bike shed, Bike locks, bike shed video, bike storage video, Cycle locks, cycle storage, secure cycle storage | Leave a Comment »

Cycle theft. How to protect your bike at home.

Posted on July 20, 2012 by tarahamilton

Cycle theft is a continuously growing crime, in all parts of the country. An ‘it won’t happen to me’ attitude won’t protect your bike from theft. In the UK a bike is stolen every minute and less than 5% of those are returned to their owners. Bike owners are more likely to have their cycles stolen than car owners their car. Westminster is the worst affected place in London for cycle theft with over 3,000 bikes stolen over the course of one year, followed closely by over 1,500 in Hackney. Over a two year period 45,000 bikes were stolen in London alone. In Oxford bike theft rates have soared to almost 3,000 in a one year period. The majority of bike theft goes unreported, in 2010 an estimated 533,000 bikes were stolen but only 115,147 were actually reported to the police, meaning that only 1 in 5 victims report bike theft to the police.

The top 10 police forces for bike theft in 2010:

Metropolitan police: 21,315

Thames Valley: 6,060

Greater Manchester: 5,185

Cambridgeshire: 4,477

Avon and Somerset: 3,895

West Midlands: 3,222

Leicestershire: 3,057

Lancashire: 2,727

Sussex: 2,668

Humberside: 2,440

With such high figures of theft, it should not be taken lightly. It is important to report your bike crime to the police if your bike has been stolen, to enable them to crack down on bike theft and gather representative figures.

Bikes aren’t just stolen when you are out and about away from home. They are increasingly being targeted when left outside the home or attached to cars in driveways. There are a variety of different methods that you can use to help protect your bike from thieves.

Bicycle Insurance

Insurance is always good to have, to keep you protected in case your bike does get stolen. Bike insurance is available from many insurance companies with premiums starting from around £50. Bicycle insurance does require that you: Lock your bike securely at all time, use an approved lock and secure the bike to an immovable object. Bike insurance policies vary greatly, see more bike insurance details here>

Bike Locker

At home it can sometimes be difficult to store your bike out of public view. If you do not have a secure garage or leave your bike out on display, your bike will become an easy target for thieves. There are a range of bike sheds available on the market. For maximum security Asgard has a range of secure metal storage units, designed specifically to secure a bike. Asgard is the home of the UK’s bestselling bike storage unit. Asgard pushbike storage can hold from 1 to 4 bikes, dependant on the size. With recommendations from industry specialists there is no better way to keep your bike safe outside your home.

Bike Padlock

A good bike lock is great in deterring thieves from steeling your bike. Don’t go cheap, invest in something heavy duty that will stop a potential thief from coming anywhere near your bike and secure your bike. There are a variety of tough bike locks on the market. Asgard have a range of bike locks on offer, and other security locks such as the alarmed cycle disc lock, which activates when someone attempts to move your bike. See it in action>

Register Your Bike

Register your bike on Immobilise, which is the national property register. You can register many items on here from computers to phones. If a registered item is stolen, immobilise makes it easier to recover your property, it helps police to identify stolen goods and simplifies insurance claims.

Statistics from The Guardian, UK Crime Stats, Oxford Mail, Eastlondonlines

Filed under: Uncategorized, Bike storage, Secure storage, cycle storage, Bike locks/security, bike locks, cycle locks, bicycle locks, security locks, Storing your bike, Bicycle Security, bicycle alarm, bike alarm system, asgard, cycling, cycle theft, bike theft | Tagged: Bike locks, Bike Security, Bike storage, bike theft, bikes, Cycle locks, cycle storage, cycle theft, Secure storage | 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.

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