Bicycle security

Every year tens of thousands of bicycles are stolen, and very often the owners never get them back. You can help to prevent this happening by taking the following precautions:

• Have your bicycle stamped with your postcode.
• Always lock your bicycle when you leave it. Use a lock made of a loop of solid metal: chains are easy to cut. Lock your bike to something solid like a lamp-post or railings. If you have quick-release wheels, lock the front wheel to the frame and the back wheel.
• Make a note of the make, model, colour, wheel size and serial number of the bicycle (found on the frame under the saddle, at the front of the crossbar, or on the bottom bracket by the chain wheel). This will help you and the police identify the bike if it's stolen.
• check your insurance policy and make sure your bike is covered.