How to securely lock your bike up

Bike theft is a hot topic currently. Thieves are severing cycle locks in Christchurch and making large profits by selling stolen bikes online.

Sergeant Greg Hume from the Christchurch police said "51 bikes were reported stolen from March 19 to April 19 in Christchurch's CBD. That equates to more than one bike a day. Most bikes have been locked, but offenders are snipping through them with one-handed cutters before fleeing".

It's more important than ever to have a high security bike lock, something that gives you security of your bike. Depending on the value of your bike, you should also lock this at your home. High-value bikes are unfortunately targeted by thieves.

The most secure bike lock on the market is the U-Lock, otherwise, know as a D Lock. These locks have an ultra hardened steel bar which cannot be cut through. Used in conjunction with a cable lock to secure your front wheel, this will offer the best bike security.

Best practice for locking your bike is to secure the Frame, Rear, and Front Wheel using a U-Lock and Cable. This is a very popular locking method which uses the U-Lock to capture the frame, rear wheel, around an immovable object. The U-lock shackle then acts as an anchor for a double looped cable that captures the front wheel.

Here are some key points when locking your bike.

In the case that your bike does get stolen, it's important to have recorded the frame number, this is the only identifying factor of your bike. This is located on the bottom of the frame on the bottom bracket shell. Record your serial no, both at home and through the New Zealand Police database https://www.snap.org.nz/

Be smart, thieves are looking for opportunities. If you're vigilant with security using best practices and don't offer these opportunities then (touch wood) you shouldn't have a problem.