Avoid Theft of your Bike
Watch this video for the best tips on how to avoid bike theft: Bike Theft Video
Often bicycles are stolen with little effort when it was locked poorly or a low quality lock was used. Here’s some tips to avoid being a victim to bicycle theft, based partly on advice given by the Gardai:
- It’s recommended to spend at least 10% of the value of you bike on a lock
- It’s also recommended that you use two good locks of different types and lock both to the frame and the wheels of your bike
Think about where you lock your bike:
- Lock your bike to an immovable object, such as a bicycle stand, metal railing, lamppost or signpost
- If it is not a designated bike stand be aware of blocking the path of pedestrians, wheelchair and pram users — out of respect for them firstly, but it is also more likely to get damaged if it gets in people’s way.
- Be aware, if using a lamppost, sign post or bollard of the possibility of lifting the locked bicycle over the post or bollard and also be careful of loose poll.
- Do not leave / park your bike in isolated, dark or dimly lit places.
When locking the bike:
- Lock the frame and both wheels.
- Be careful to not just lock your wheel to a bike rack or poll — a thief will easily be able to take your bike off your wheel and walk away with the bike.
- Make sure to lock your bike securely — even if it’s not worth stealing it can be knocked to the ground and vandalised
Also remember to:
- Take all accessories and easily removable objects with you.
- Consider replacing quick release levers with normal nuts and bolts or with special locking nuts and bolts.
- Try not to leave / lock your bike in the same place every day.