Tips to keep your bike safe

MORE than £1.5m worth of bikes were stolen from railway stations across the country last year.
British Transport Police, who arrested 1381 last year, is holding a national day of action to raise awareness of the issue.
During the day of action, teams of officers will be holding cycle surgeries at stations across Cheshire and will be handing out leaflets and crime prevention advice to commuters, as well as offering security marking for commuters’ bikes.
Superintendent Jason Bunyard heads up Operation Wiggins, he said: “Over the past few years we have seen an increase in passengers using bikes to travel to and from railway stations.
“Following continued investments in cycling infrastructure, events such as the Tour de France, and with people being more conscious of the environment and their health, there has been a huge surge in their popularity.
“Unfortunately this has also provided increased opportunities for thieves due to them being relatively easy to steal and dispose of bikes sadly remain an attractive target for thieves.
“More bikes stolen will lead to in an increase in insurance claims resulting in higher insurance premiums for everyone”
Correctly securing a bike using a good quality gold standard lock and ensuring your bike is marked and registered will deter a thief from stealing or attempting to steal a bike.
Unsurprisingly the majority of the 5318 bikes stolen from the railway network last year were not secured correctly or had substandard locks.
Tips and advice to keep you bike secure
Get your bike security marked and register atwww.Bikeregister.com. BTP regularly hold free marking events at stations- follow us on Twitter @btp_uk for the latest events.
Record details of your bike, including the frame number and other distinguishing features and take a photo of it. This will be crucial in identifying and recovering your bike if its is stolen
Use locks of gold ‘sold secure’ standard and use two different types, with at least one being a high quality D-lock. It takes thieves a few seconds to cut through poor quality locks – make it as difficult for them as possible.
Always lock your bicycle whenever you leave it at a designated cycle rack area. Lock the frame and both wheels to a cycle stand.
Make the lock(s) and bike hard to manoeuvre. Secure your bike as close to the stand as possible
Take parts that are easy to remove with you, such as saddles or wheels or use secure skewers. Never leave computers of high value cycling gadgets on your bike,
Always lock your bike in a recognised secure cycle parking area that is well lit and covered by CCTV.
If your bike is stolen please contact BTP on 0800 405040. Having your Bike Register number, a photo and any other details to hand may help us with our investigation.