Once a 'professional' bike thief has decided to nick your bike - its going to go, regardless what you do to stop it. These professionals ( and I use that term with sarcasm... and think I will refer to them as
Thieving Scumbags from now on), These thieving scumbags come in two kinds - the opportunists and the planners.
There is quite a lot you can do to deter the opportunists - its the planners that you have to really worry about.
Most bikes are stolen from the owners own homes.
- If you live in a busy area. Try to get your bike out of sight as quickly as possible. Do not park it outside the front of your house regularly if possible.
- If there are vehicles following you, go around the block and shake them off before returning home. Most of the vehicles following you are likely to be innocent, but be especially aware if its a van.
- If your bike is garaged, consider alarming your garage and fitting additional security such as a ground anchor.
Parking your bike at work
- Most employers have easily accessible car parks, although some may have CCTV you should try to park your bike in a place which is not visible from the road.
- If there is a large number of you who ride bikes to work, ask your employer if they will provide additional security.
- Don't park your bike in the same place every day
- Be aware of vans that may follow you. If you work in an industrial estate
don't just presume they are works vans.
- If you can, park by a window - or somewhere which can be seen by other employees and ask them just to keep an eye out.
Parking whilst out on a ride out
- Always carry a disk lock, and if possible a chain
- Always try to lock your bike to something secure - such as railings.
- If there is a group of you, use your chains to secure your bikes together.
- Try to park where there are other motorcycles
Taking security measures
- Thread your chain through the frame or swinging arm.
- Datatag and Alarm your bike
- Carry a disk lock
Parking on the roadside / In view of the road
- If possible don't do it
- At night, park under street lights
- Use a bike cover
