Paying a little more attention to the safety of your bike will pay off in the long run; after all it is enough that yours is harder to steal than the one parked next door. Spend some time and money to learn how to protect your bike and know what to do to get a refund in case your efforts are not served.
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Lock the Bike Safely
Step 1. Remove the front wheel
If your bike is equipped with the quick release, remove the front wheel and place it close to the rear to lock them together.
If you can't do this or your "U" lock isn't big enough to hold both wheels, read on
Step 2. Secure the wheels and frame to an immovable object
Use a "D" or "U" lock to secure the rear of the vehicle to another object. Put the "U" section of the lock around the rim of the rear wheel, of the front one that you had previously removed and around the stationary object. Finally insert the straight bar to close it.
- Read the “Using a Good Quality Lock” section for more product recommendations and the “Choosing the Right Place” section to learn which immovable object is best to attach your bicycle to.
- If you use a padlock that is too small to close all these portions of the bicycle, place it around the rear wheel, paying attention to make it pass "inside" the triangular section of the frame. In this way it is not possible to remove the frame from the wheel. This is usually enough to deter a thief, as he would have to destroy the rear (valuable) wheel to get the bike.
- Do not attach the “U” lock to the upper tube of the bike (also called the “barrel”). This is the horizontal or inclined tube that joins the stem of the handlebar to that of the saddle. This can be transformed as a point to pry and break the lock.
Step 3. If you haven't removed it, secure the front wheel
This has a lower economic value than the later one, but it is still better to take some precautions to dissuade any interested passerby.
- You can wrap a cable lock around the wheel and frame or, if the cable is long enough, up to the rear wheel. Close the cable with a separate padlock or with the one supplied.
- For added security, use a second U-lock for the front wheel as well.
Step 4. Securely remove or secure accessories before walking away from the bike
Bags, trash can, reflectors, lights, bell and anything that can be detached must be removed or secured with a cable lock.
Step 5. Secure the saddle with a long cable lock
Use a D-lock on the rear wheel, looping it around the frame and an immovable object. Secure the front wheel and saddle with one end of the cable. Finally, secure the free end with the D-lock.
Part 2 of 5: Use a Good Quality Lock
Step 1. Invest in good products
Inexpensive padlocks are easy to open, especially those found in one-euro shops or in the bins of offers in sports shops. Remember that thieves know how to recognize them! You should purchase your locks at a high-end bicycle or sporting goods store.
Step 2. Use two or more different locks
If you set at least two of a good standard and of different types, you will discourage thieves who have only one tool to break a single model of lock and have no idea how to open the other.
Step 3. Choose a small hardened steel “U” lock
Also called “D” locks, they have a non-flexible curved part that is used to connect the frame and / or wheels to a solid object. The smaller the lock, the more difficult it is for the thief to break in.
- For added security, buy a U-shaped lock that is just enough to contain the thickness of the rear wheel, the frame and the street furniture object to which you will attach everything.
- Even if the space inside the horseshoe must be small, the padlock must be thick and sturdy.
Step 4. Evaluate heavy chains
The rather thick ones (with rings of 15mm or more) are an excellent deterrent. However they are quite heavy to carry.
- The chains are closed with a traditional padlock which becomes the weak link. Use a very thick one that can withstand the attack of a wire cutter.
- A short chain to close the wheel around an object is a much lighter solution to carry than another so long to wrap both wheels. In this case you will need another lock (which is always advisable anyway).
Step 5. Use the cable locks only as a complementary accessory
You can take a 20mm thick one, it's solid enough not to be cut, but remember that it doesn't have to be the tool to entrust the safety of your bike to, just an extra deterrent.
Cable locks can be used to secure less expensive accessories to the frame (eg the basket)
Part 3 of 5: Choosing the Right Place
Step 1. Get to know the neighborhood
When you can, avoid parking your bike in a high-risk area. The police department and the bike shop will surely be able to tell you which are the neighborhoods where the greatest thefts take place.
Step 2. Do not lock the bike in front of groups of idle people
People hanging out around bike racks may be there to land some theft or to warn the thief that he can take action as soon as you leave.
Step 3. Do not leave your bike at the train station or in other areas frequented by commuters
Thieves know where workers who take public transport leave their bikes parked all day and feel calmer because they know they have plenty of time.
Step 4. Find a well-lit spot with a lot of pedestrian traffic
The more people on foot there are, the more likely the thief will be seen or will not be able to break the locks unnoticed.
If possible, choose an area with video surveillance. Even if the cameras are not enough to discourage the thief, you can still have footage to facilitate the recovery of the stolen goods
Step 5. Find an immovable street furniture item
Don't assume bike racks are safe. Choose an object that has the following characteristics:
- Thick and sturdy. Don't rely on a wooden fence or a small steel object, as both can be cut.
- Difficult to disassemble. Check if the racks are secured with bolts. A patient thief could unscrew them.
- Firmly anchored to the ground. A strong thief or a gang could simply lift the bike and the object to which you attached it. Shake the object to make sure it is anchored to the ground.
- Impossible to lift and remove the bike. A tall enough thief might just pick up the bike and take it out, take it away, and quietly remove the lock privately. Look for something that is anchored to the ground in two places, such as a very sturdy bike rack, because a patient thief might even use a rope to lift and take off the bike even when attached to a very tall pole.
Step 6. Try to park the bike among the others
The first and last in the row are the most appetizing and visible because they can work with it in an inconspicuous way.
Make sure you do not lock your bicycle to another one with an insecure padlock
Part 4 of 5: Discourage Thieves and Be Prepared for Theft
Step 1. Replace the quick releases with a safer solution
Bicycles with this type of wheel and saddle mechanism are prone to theft of these components. Many thieves are content to take away the saddle or wheels or even just the frame, if you haven't fixed it.
- Hub locks are available in bicycle shops and online as well. To remove them it is necessary to have the specific key or knob (or more effort on the part of the thief). Remove the quick release and insert this type of hub into the same housing.
- Some cheaper hubs are secured with a hex nut and removed with a commonly used tool, such as a hex or Allen key. However, they can be deterrents for "opportunistic" thieves.
- Never leave the tool to remove these blocks near the bike.
Step 2. Secure the saddle in some other way
If you don't want to use a safety lock or want to add an extra deterrent, you can close the saddle to the frame with a bike chain.
- Wrap a long piece of bicycle chain with electrical duct tape. So it won't scratch the bike.
- Wrap it around the frame tube that runs parallel to the drive chain. Then stretch it upwards and pass it through the metal supports that support the actual seat. Secure everything with pliers.
Step 3. Write your name on the bike
It is difficult to resell an easily identifiable object. Use a permanent marker to write your name or initials twice on the wheels (in diametrically opposite places) and / or on the top of the frame.
If you decide to write it on the frame as well, protect the name with several layers of clear tape. This will make it more difficult for the thief to remove it and will induce him to choose a simpler target
Step 4. Make the bike as unattractive as possible
Before entering a slum, disguise your brand new bike by wrapping the frame, handlebars, and saddle in easy-to-remove electrical tape. So it will appear that you have repaired it or want to hide damage.
If the seat is very expensive and special, take it off and take it with you instead of leaving it fitted. You can also replace it with a second-hand one when you use the bike to go to work or for some errand
Step 5. Prove that the bike is yours
The simplest thing is to take a picture of you next to the bike while holding a piece of paper with the bike frame number on it.
In most cases, the serial number is located on the frame under the pedal housing. On other models you can find it under the handlebar and on the frame tube that runs parallel to the chain. Ask a friend or the bike shop clerk to help you if you can't find it
Step 6. Register the bike in a database
Do some research online and you will surely find a site that offers this service. You will also be provided with a sticker with a barcode to apply to your bike, a theft alert service and more.
Step 7. Connect a GPS tracker
If you have a bike of great value (economic or sentimental) you can evaluate this option designed specifically to ensure the safety of the bicycle. This way you or the police can track the vehicle in case of theft.
Part 5 of 5: Retrieve a Stolen Bicycle
Step 1. Report to the police as soon as possible
Make sure you have the VIN number with you if you know it. It is now also possible to file reports online, but if you show up in person you may get a quicker response.
If the bike is equipped with one, inform the police of the presence of the GPS tracker
Step 2. Add your bike to the stolen items list in an online database
Many sites offer this service, both locally and globally. You can enter the details of the theft you have suffered even for free.
Step 3. Spread the word
Tell your friends that your bike has been stolen, post a post on social networks and tell the people who usually visit the place of the theft (such as the shop assistants in front of which you locked the bike). The more people know about the theft, the more chances you have of getting the bike back.
Be sure to leave your contact information and a detailed description of the bike
Step 4. Post flyers on lampposts and online
The Craigslist site, as well as other online message boards, can also be a means of spreading the news. If you get any information, pass it on to the police.
Step 5. Request surveillance records if possible
Go back to the "crime scene" and check if the neighboring buildings have cameras. If you see any, ask the owners if you or the police can review the tapes to identify the thief.
Step 6. Check to see if any used bikes similar to yours are being sold online
eBay may be one of the sites where thieves try to resell stolen goods. Check the ads regularly and if you see one that might be suspicious, notify the police and the site owner.
The simplest thing to do is to set an automatic alarm on each site that alerts you with an email when a certain model is put up for sale. The methods for this operation vary from site to site; search the FAQ or ask customer service how to set up "automatic alerts", "automatic searches" or "save searches"
Step 7. Go to your city's flea market or other places where second-hand bicycles are sold
If you see your bike and are sure it's yours, call the police.
Step 8. Fill out a claim for your insurance
Some policies also provide for the theft of the bike among the various options, however you must file the report within a certain period of time after the theft.
If you used a very secure lock, contact the manufacturer and ask if they offer a guarantee against theft
Step 9. Don't take risks and don't attempt to retrieve the bike yourself
Once you have located it, call the police and don't put yourself in danger.
Advice
- Make life difficult for the thief. If your bicycle is too difficult to steal, it will choose another one.
- If you are just going to get something to eat, put the bike in a place where you can keep it under control.
- The best known brands of bike locks are Kryptonite, Abus, Trelock and Squire.
- If possible, secure the seat and handlebars to the frame with a cable tie.
- Remove all lights and reflectors from the bike when you leave it unattended.
Warnings
- Make sure that the padlock does not rest on the ground otherwise you will provide the thief with an excellent support surface to be able to break it with a hammer or chisel.
- Never leave bike bags or easy-to-remove baskets on the bike parked where you can't control it. If you move around busy cities or tourist areas, take turns with your pedaling partner, so that one is always guarding the bikes while the other has lunch or a break.
- Insurance may require you to use a specific lock to accommodate your claim for reimbursement in the event of theft. Check your policy before buying one.
- Never lock your bike in a place where it is not legal or where it prevents someone else from passing / accessing, such as private driveways and wheelchair ramps. If it bothers you a lot, some motorists may decide to bump and break it to pass.
