Protect Your Bike

Never Leave Your Bike Unlocked

Bike theft is a “crime of opportunity” and can happen in seconds—and in any neighbourhood. More bikes are stolen from residences (yards, porches, apartment lockers) than any other location! Caution your youngsters never to leave their bike unlocked on the front lawn, for example, while they run into the house for a minute. The same rule applies for quick errands. Always lock your bike. “I was just getting a coffee. When I came back my bike was gone!”
Wherever you store your bike—lock it (ideally to a permanent installation). Make sure your storage area is properly secured. If your bike is expensive and you regularly leave it parked in public for a long time, consider getting a second, less costly “beater bike”. However, a poorly-locked cheap bike is often a better target than a well-locked expensive bike.
When parking your bike in a public area, pick a heavily traveled, well lit location. Thieves dislike operating in exposed places.

The Best Places to Park Your Bike

The most secure object to lock your bike to is a well designed bike rack that is permanently anchored to the ground.
Be observant around bike racks. Watch for someone “checking out” bikes. Report suspicious activity to the Police (if it’s a theft in progress, call 911).
When bike racks aren’t available, try a fixed, immoveable object like a sturdy sign post. Beware of sign posts with a bolt at the bottom as the bolt can be loosened and the pole removed. Be sure the bike cannot be lifted up and over the post.
Chain link fences, wooden posts, small trees/bushes should be avoided. They are often easy to break or cut through with standard tools.

What Type of Locks to Buy

The most important thing you can do is to purchase the best quality locks that you can afford. It doesn’t make any sense to buy a cheap lock that won’t do much, if anything, to protect your significant investment.
For the best protection, use two different styles of locks (e.g. U-lock and cable/chain). Typically, thieves only carry one set of tools and would need two sets to attack your bike. Further, the process takes more time and increases their chance of getting caught. The two lock system is especially important if you leave your bike parked in one place for any length of time.

The Three Basic Types of Locking Devices

U-Lock

By far the most secure type is the flat U (or D) shaped lock made of solid steel.
The best position for the locking mechanism is in the centre of the crossbar, locks on the end can be pried off.
For quick release mechanisms make sure your U-lock will fit around both wheels and a post, for example.

Cable

While cable locks are convenient and easy to use, they are only sufficient for use in low-risk areas. A lightweight cable can be cut in less than five seconds. The overwhelming majority of stolen bikes were either unlocked or locked with a cable.
Even the largest diameter unprotected cables are vulnerable. Better cable locks have overlapping steel jackets threaded over the cable. This makes it harder to cut the central cable.
Cable locks can be used effectively as a secondary device to secure quick release components and accessories.

Chain

Although heavy, a high quality, case hardened steel chain (minimum 3/8”) protects well.
Many cyclists leave a heavy duty chain lock at a permanent location e.g. workplace.

Identification Records You Should Keep

The vital information you need to record is: Make, Model, Manufacturer, Serial #, Colour, Type (e.g. Mountain, Road), Men’s/Women’s, Speed (e.g. 10, 21 etc.)
Take a good colour photograph of your bike.
Engrave your BC Driver’s Licence # (BCDL+7 digit number) several places on your bike. If your stolen bike is recovered, the Victoria Police Department will be able to find you via a computer link with the Motor Vehicles Branch. Engravers are available free at the Victoria Police Headquarters and most independent bike retailers.

What to do if Your Bike is Stolen

CALL THE POLICE. In an average month, the Victoria Police Department recovers over 100 bikes. However, only 10-15% of these are ever returned to the rightful owners. Why? The victims have not reported the theft to the Police.
The call starts the recovery process. Plus, you’ll need a Police file in order to start any insurance claim.
Some bike theft victims think “Why bother reporting the loss? The bike wasn’t worth much”. Wrong! The information helps Police Crime Analysts determine where there may be a problem area and plan corrective action.
The bike’s serial number is the most important information. The Property Crimes Unit can use the number to match the claim with the Police file on a recovered bike.
Even if you don’t have the serial number, still CALL THE POLICE. The Officers can also work with good descriptors: Make, Model, Colour—plus any special markings on the bike. Officers compare the supplied descriptors with those of recovered bikes to find a match. This effort has resulted in a great many bikes being returned to the rightful owners.

Don’t support the market for stolen bicycles. Knowingly purchasing a stolen bicycle is “possession of stolen property” and against the law. Only buy a second hand bike from a bicycle dealer or someone you trust.