Advice to keep your bike safe after rise in thefts

Police have issued some security advice following a rise in the number of bicycle thefts across Derbyshire, including in the High Peak, in recent weeks.

Officers are investigating 20 reports of bikes being stolen over the past month from homes and outside businesses. 

Many of the bikes have been left insecure in gardens, but there have been a number stolen from sheds, outside storage and bike racks.

Now, police have issued some guidance to help people keep their bikes safe: 

• Never leave bicycles insecure and unattended, even for a few minutes.
• Invest in good quality security, relative to the value of your bike and how expensive or difficult it would be to replace
• Lock your bike frame and wheels to something which can’t be carried away, such as an anchor, bike racks or railings. Locking only the frame or the wheels to something could result in unsecured parts being stolen.
• Use two different types of lock to make it more difficult for them to be cut, and will slow down or deter an opportunist thief, such as a chain and D-lock combination.
• At home, ensure your sheds, outbuildings and garages are secure.  Consider installing ground anchors if you have a concrete floor or look for security rated products specifically for your type of storage.
• Register your bike at www.bikeregister.com, a national, police approved database which can help us trace and find your bike if it is stolen and recovered.

Anyone who has any information about any thefts or notices any suspicious activity is asked to get in touch with police via one of the following methods: 

• Facebook – send a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary
• Twitter – direct message the contact centre on @DerPolContact
• Website – complete the online contact form at www.derbyshire.police.uk/Contact-Us.
• Phone – call 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, but in the event of an emergency you should always call 999.