Bike Security

The North East Crime Reduction team are advising all bike owners to consider their bike security after a recent increase in shed burglaries, with bikes being a primary target. 

‘The bikes were stolen from locked sheds and bike storage areas, but the actual bikes had limited security. Whether you have just purchased your first bike or are a seasoned cyclist it is worth investing in good quality cycle specific locks to secure your bike. Consider a ground anchor for securing your bike to a solid surface. Ideally, use two different types of lock. Remember that locks are more vulnerable when close to the ground, so keep them off the floor.’

Thieves will routinely carry bolt croppers or even battery powered angle grinders and light weight, poor quality locks offer very little resistance and are easily overcome. As a rough guide consider spending at least 10% of the value of the bike on a lock.

Always buy the best quality lock you can afford and look out for those that have been endorsed as ‘Sold Secure’ or ‘Secured by Design.’ Invest in high-quality padlocks, hasps, and sturdy hinges. Consider using security screws or coach bolts to deter removal.

Photograph your bike and record all of your bike’s details and distinguishing features and keep in a safe place. The serial number can be found on the bottom bracket. Consider using a bike registration scheme such as ‘Bike Register’ to mark your bicycle. Not only is this a deterrent to thieves but should you be unlucky enough to have your bicycle stolen it increases the chances of getting your bicycle back.

If you are solely relying on your home insurance policy for cover, it may be worth making contact with them if your bike is valued at over £400, policies often will only pay this amount unless the bike is specified on the policy.

We advise everyone to look at their buildings through the eyes of a thief. Start by looking at the grounds of their property and think about lighting and fencing. Are there any loose objects lying about which could be used by the thieves to help force entry to the premises? CCTV is a useful tool but it must be remembered that CCTV on its own is not a deterrent to criminality and should always be combined with appropriate physical security.

Hide the contents from view using protective grills or covers on windows if appropriate and ensure property is locked away at night or when not in use, not only to prevent them being stolen, but to prevent them being utilised to gain further access or potentially cause damage.

If you have an intruder alarm, consider extending it to cover sheds, garages and outbuildings and ensure that there is a visible external sounder box. If not consider battery powered motion detector alarms, readily available online.

Illuminate the exterior of your garage. Outdoor security lighting is an excellent deterrent for intruders, especially when you opt for a motion sensor light. It can also bring illumination to your outdoor areas, bringing you better security.

Further advice can be obtained by contacting Police Scotland Crime Reduction Officers at:

NorthEastCrimeReduction@scotland.pnn.police.uk

#northeastcrimereduction

This messaging system is not for reporting crime as responses are not monitored 24/7.  If you have time-critical information regarding the content of the above message, or if you wish to report any other non-urgent matter, please call 101.  In an emergency, call 999.
Police Scotland's North East Division covers rural and urban areas in Moray, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City.  The division has five territorial command areas which have their own dedicated Area Commander, who is responsible for the daily policing function.  Each command area is served by a number of community policing teams whose activities are built around the needs of the local community.  These teams respond to local calls and look for long term solutions to key issues.  They are assisted by the division's Crime Reduction Unit who deliver against Force and local priorities in a number of areas, including physical and social crime prevention, supporting and enhancing community engagement and creating and sustaining strong and effective partnership working.