Cycle Security
Cycle theft is sadly all too common, so it is important to always store your cycle securely whether out and about or at home to deter cycle theft.
If your cycle does get stolen, inform the police online via the Essex Police website, by phone on 101 or in person at your local police station between 9am and 5pm Monday to Sunday. Ask for a crime reference number to trace the progress of your case and to help with an insurance claim.
You can also join the Stolen/found bicycles in Colchester Facebook page.
Out and about
There are lots of cycle parking racks around Colchester, check out the Colchester cycle map for cycle parking locations. Try to choose a location that is:
- Covered by CCTV
- Well-lit
- Overlooked by passer’s-by
If you are parking in the city centre, check out the Secure Bike Park in Portal Precinct where you can park for just £1 a day!
At home
Cycles are still vulnerable to theft at home but here are some things that you can do to keep you cycle safe at home:
- Keep it in a secure shed or garage and keep the door locked
- Secure it to an immovable object or install a floor or wall mounted anchor
- Keep it out of public view, away from prying eyes
- Be sure to invest in a good quality lock such as a hardened steel D-lock or sturdy chain lock
- Locks with a Sold Secure logo are police approved products and graded based on how long they can withstand an attack
- Where possible, secure your cycle with two different types of lock that are Sold Secure gold standard
- Always lock your cycle when out and about with a good quality lock, even if you are just leaving it for a couple of minutes
- Store your cycle securely and out of view when at home
- Get your cycle registered for free at Colchester Bike Kitchen to deter thieves and so that it can be identified and returned to you if it is stolen
- Make sure your cycle is covered by insurance, either through an extension of your home contents insurance or through a separate policy offered by cycling organisation and bike shops
This campaign was created to help raise awareness about good cycle security practice. Look out for our stickers on cycle racks across Colchester reminding cyclists to use a good lock. As part of the campaign, police officers are carrying out audits of cycles parked in various locations and leaving tags to confidentially inform cycle owners how well they parked their cycle and any suggestions on how to improve their cycle security. Police officers will also be carrying out extra patrols to deter thieves. Local cycle shops are also involved and will be happy to offer advice on cycle security.
- Lock your cycle to an immovable object like a proper cycle rack, ground anchor or street furniture that offers multiple locking points.
- Cycles locked to lampposts, railings or anything else not designed for this purpose are more vulnerable to theft, so only use these if you really have to.
- Remember that thieves can remove drainpipes and lift bikes off signposts. If the provision is inadequate, why not bring this to the attention of the relevant local authority or property owner.
- Lock both wheels and the frame of your cycle to the cycle stand or other immovable object.
- Secure removable parts. Lock both wheels and the frame together. Take with you smaller components and accessories that can be removed without tools.
- Fit secure skewers to wheels, headsets and seat posts. Ask a bike shop for specialist advice.
- Make the cycle and lock hard to manoeuvre when parked.
- Keep the gap between bike and lock small – the smaller the gap, the harder it is to insert levers or other tools.
- Keep the lock or chain away from the ground; never leave them lying on the pavement – a lock can be sledge-hammered while on the ground.
- Locks can also be picked, so face the lock to the ground (but not resting on it) so it can’t easily be turned upwards for picking easily when it’s resting on the ground.
- Do what you can to check you buy your cycle from a legitimate outlet and that they are sure it is not stolen. If it seems suspiciously cheap, ask yourself why. You may be able to check the ownership of a cycle you intend to purchase by searching a property register such as Immobilise, or asking for proof of purchase or ownership. If you think you are being offered a stolen bike ring crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
- Record and register your cycle. Take a clear colour photograph of your bike and make a written record of its description, including any unique features, so that you can report it accurately if it is stolen; this will help prove it is yours if it is recovered by the police.
- Register your cycle model, make and frame number with a third party like Immobilise.com. (The frame number is often underneath the bottom bracket where the pedals attach, or on the frame under the seat.) Again, this will help anyone who subsequently finds (or even buys) it to check whether it is stolen – and return it to you.
- If you add an additional security mark or tag to your cycle, this will again make it easier to identify as yours. The mark may be obvious, which should help deter thieves; or hidden, such as ultraviolet; or there may be a combination of both. Clearly visible marks should be securely applied. A hidden mark or electronic tag is less likely to be identified and removed by thieves.
Get the most from your ride
Bike Hire
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Report an Issue
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Cycling as a Family
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Safety & Training
Learn about best practice for cycle safety and book on to a cycle course.
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