There are many reasons why we purchase a new bicycle, a few of us like the feeling of racing down a mountainside dodging boulders the size of a car, for some it’s about protecting the environment, a bunch of us do it for fitness reasons, however, for the majority it is all about having fun going on family bike rides. But for us all we need to learn how we can stop our new cycle purchase from simply disappearing out of site, forever!

David Cameron knows only too well that bike crime is a major problem in many of our towns and cities. Cameron had his ‘old friend’ stolen from a very public place and then had the British media reporting his loss with glee. It is estimated that as many as 100,000 bikes are reported stolen every year in the UK. Protecting your possessions can be easy, if you know how! There are many precautions that be done to deter thieves from trying to steal your bike, here are some of the best ones…

1. As most bikes are stolen from your own property lock it in a secure shed or garage out of site, also chain it up inside your shed or garage for double security.

2. Security mark the frame, there are many products on the market from ‘smart water’ to UV marking pens theses products are ideal for writing your address and post code.

3. If you are out and about always secure your bike with a quality bike security alarm, even if you have to leave it for less than 1 minute.

4. Secure it to a non removable object or a properly fitted bike rack.

5. Secure it with a hardened steel D-shaped padlock as a minimum protection.

6. When you lock up your bike try your hardest to keep the lock out of easy reach, this makes it harder for the criminals to smash the lock open.

7. When securing your bike try to incorporate both wheels again this will stop your wheels from being stolen.

Many people have now taken out extra insurances to cover their bikes, but by following these simple precautions hopefully you and your bike will be together for many years to come.