| Pedal Cycles
Every year thousands of pedal cycles are stolen, and often the owners never get them back. You can help prevent this happening by taking the following steps.
- Have your bicycle stamped with your post code. There are many cases of cycles being returned to their owners before they have reported the loss to the police – illustrating the success of post-coding.
- Remember you can reduce the misery of having your bicycle stolen if it is insured. Some insurance companies can issue separate cycle insurance policies.
- Always lock your cycle when you leave it, even if only for a minute.
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- Make a note of your cycle’s make, model, colour, wheel size, and serial number. The serial number may be found on the frame under the saddle, at the rear of the wheel nut, at the bottom of the cross bar, or on the bottom bracket by the chain wheel. This information will be of great help to the Police if the cycle is stolen, and will assist you in identifying your cycle.
- If your cycle has wheels which detach easily then remove them and secure them to something solid along with your bike. If your saddle is also easily removed then take it with you.
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NOTE: Police Scotland no longer stamp cycles due to the increased risk of damaging expensive and custom cycles.
Don’t forget that coding your cycle does not stop it being stolen. This requires effort on your part. Prevention, however, is better than cure.
Solid `U` bold style security devices and wire hausers are better than a chain which can be cut more easily.
Secure your cycle to something solid like a lamp post or railing. If your wheels come off easily remove the front one and secure it to the frame and back wheel.
Even if you do secure your cycle in the shed or garage, consider securing it to another cycle or lawn mower. A thief would find it hard to cycle down the road on your bike dragging a lawn mower behind them.
Photograph the bike with the user beside it. This will provide the Police with an accurate description of the bike should it go missing. Having someone in the picture will also give a clear indication of scale and size of the bike.
Local cycle shops and cycle clubs can offer expert advice based on experience and items available. |
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