A GUIDE TO BIKE LOCKING & THEFT

USE A U-LOCK

A hardened-steel U-Lock is the most secure kind of lock and should be used as your primary lock. Cable locks and cheap U-Locks can be easily cut and are best avoided. U-locks can be carried in backpacks or panniers. Some locks can be mounted to your bike frame. The smaller the U-lock the better, it’s lighter to carry and the small size makes it hard to pry open with a crowbar. Avoid locks with a combination.

CHOOSE A SECURE LOCATION

It is best to lock your bike in a highly visible area close to pedestrian traffic and streetlights. Look for designated bike racks or indoor parking areas. Don’t lock your bike in the same location all the time and never leave it outside overnight. When leaving your bike for an extended period of time, either choose a location that is busy e.g. outside a cafe where it appears you’ll be returning any minute or secure your bike inside your place of work – out of sight from potential thieves. When possible secure your bike among others. There is sure to be an easier target for the thieves close by and it’s harder for them to work their tools.

LOCK TO SOMETHING IMMOVABLE & STRONG

If you lock your bike to a street pole or sign post, make sure that your bike can’t be lifted over it or that the whole thing itself can’t be stolen or taken apart. Keep your bike safe from cars by positioning it parallel to the edge of the pavement, but away from the street, on the building-side of the signpost. Avoid blocking pedestrians movement.

PERFECT YOUR LOCKING TECHNIQUE

When locking your bike use the U-Lock to attach the bike frame (never just the wheels) to a secure bike rack or pole. Allow for as little space between the lock, wheels and frame as possible; loose locks can be more easily broken open. Position the U-Lock with keyway facing down to make it hard for thieves to access. It is best to secure your wheels with locking skewers or use a heavy duty cable to lock both wheels to the frame. Lock your seat to your frame or take it with you, especially if you have a quick-release seat clamp and remove valuable accessories such as lights, speedometer or bags. Employ one of these recommended locking techniques:

FILE A REPORT

File a report with the SAPS (South African Police Services). Provide serial number and pictures of your bike if you have them. Register and report your stolen bike on the Bike Hub’s Stolen Bike database or the Bicycle Registry of SA. If you receive a tip or info, contact the police. Do not attempt to recover bike on your own.

SHARE INFORMATION ABOUT THE THEFT

Tweet a photo and description of your bike to local cycling groups and businesses social media profiles. Include info about where it was stolen and any other details of the theft.

INSPECT THE CRIME SCENE

Look for cameras where your bike was stolen. Sometimes buildings have cameras facing the street. Contact the building owner to recover tapes.Perhaps there were even witnesses to the theft.

START YOUR SEARCH

Visit local pawn or swop shops or bike shops. Look on Gumtree and online stores and tell your friends to look out for your bike around the city. Ask local bike shops to look out for bike. If you do spot your bike, call the local police immediately and ask them to assist in your recovery. Always remember when buying a second-hand bike, to check that the seller owns it. If you buy stolen goods not only is it illegal, it also builds a market in which thieves can operate.

FILE AN INSURANCE CLAIM

If your bike is truly gone, then file a claim with your insurance company.