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Britain’s ‘most prolific’ bike thieves get jail

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Britain’s ‘most prolific’ bike thieves get jail

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Ringleaders of Britain's most prolific bike gang are beginning prison sentences today (Monday).

For the full story, read this week's MCN, out on Wednesday, October 9.

James McCulloch, 42, from Leighton Buzzard, Beds and Martin Curran, 35, of the High Street, Dunstable, Beds, were both sentenced to three years in jail at Winchester Crown Court today having pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to handle stolen goods and conspiracy to use false documents on September 2.

The pair was said by police to be in charge of a gang responsible for stealing more than £4m of bikes.

Fellow gang members Tony Willison, 32, of Chiltern Avenue, Dunstable was sentenced to150 hours of community punishment for conspiracy to make false or misleading declarations in connection with applications for registration marks

David Bough, 41, of Luton Road, Charlton was given 180 hours community punishment also for conspiracy to make false or misleading declarations in connection with applications for registration marks.

Phillip Jones, 52, of Farringdon Road, Luton was fined £1200 and ordered to pay £200 costs for handling stolen goods.

Hampshire Police, who teamed up with the Met Police to crack the gang, say they were behind the thefts of around 600 bikes across the country until they were charged in November 2000.

What do you make of the punishments handed out by the judge? Has justice been served by today's sentences? Click on the link on the right to tell us.

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Britain's 'most prolific' bike thieves get jail

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Ringleaders of Britain's most prolific bike gang are beginning prison sentences today (Monday). For the full story, read this week's MCN, out on Wednesday, October 9.

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bait bike prank, never steal a parked bicycle -_-

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Bike Theft 101 - Know thine enemy! - Curbside Cycle

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A good bike store is on the front-line of bicycle defence (probably even more than the cops are), whether that's through the bicycles or locks it sells. And, at Curbside we have a lot of experience with both. Once upon a time we thought it was all about the bike.

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Man caught with 'massive stash of bikes' in back garden by Google Eart

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Man caught with 'massive stash of bikes' in back garden by Google Eart

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Detectives discovered the allegedly stolen bicycles at a property in Littlemore, Oxford, with a pile so big in the back garden that it could be seen on Google Earth

A mountain of allegedly stolen bikes has been discovered in a man's back garden which is so big it could be seen on Google Earth.

Detectives uncovered the mound of bicycles which were visible via satellite at a property in Littlemore, Oxford.

Officers visited the house on Giles Road last Thursday when they spotted what looked like hundreds of bikes.

BirdsEye photos of the garden show it full to the brim with bicycles while the grass is barely visible.

A 54-year-old man who lived at the house was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods and possession of the criminal property.

He was later released under investigation.

Neighbours told how police were at the address sorting through hundreds of bikes.

The wheels can be seen on Google Maps satellite images filling the garden.

A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: "A large number of bicycles, believed to be stolen, have been recovered from the property. Officers are currently in the process of identifying ownership of these bicycles."

People took to social media to comment on the photos.

One said: "Cracks me up no one spotted it sooner. Surely you'd think it suspicious to have a garden overflowing with bikes?"

Many agreed with this sentiment, wondering "Did the neighbours not think it strange...?"

One person joked: "What they got, 222 Kids and Counting lol?"

While others revealed the bikes have "been there for years".

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Thames Valley Police online or by calling 101.

The number of bicycle thefts in England and Wales fell to 77,300 in the year 2020 to 2021, according to the latest data from Statista.

This is a 12% drop compared to the 88,300 bikes that were pinched the previous year.

Thefts in England and Wales peaked at 115,900 in the year 2011 to 2012 and have been falling overall ever since.

But average figures suggest one bike is still stolen every six minutes in the UK, which is equal to ten every hour or 240 per day.

London is considered the number one hotspot for bicycle theft in the UK.

Cyclists who have had their bike stolen are advised to contact police immediately with the frame number, cycle database number and a photo.

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Man caught with 'massive stash of bikes' in back garden by Google Earth

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Detectives discovered the allegedly stolen bicycles at a property in Littlemore, Oxford, with a pile so big in the back garden that it could be seen on Google Earth

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Bike theft affects the young and poor most – why is it not taken seriously?

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Bike theft affects the young and poor most – why is it not taken seriously?

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or many people a bicycle is the only transport they can afford and the only exercise they get. These people are often among society's most vulnerable, and the impact of the loss of their bike can be devastating. So why is cycle theft so often seen as a minor crime?

According to the police, 96,210 bikes were stolen in 2018, and about one in 50 bicycle-owning households are victims of cycle theft each year, but it's a crime disproportionately visited on the young and the poor.

According to the ONS, victims are most likely to be aged 16-35, earn less than £10,000 per year, and to live in urban areas, particularly places of "high incivility" and in flats or maisonettes.

The police have a way to go to tackle the issue. According to a survey for Bike Register, 50% of victims felt police didn't investigate the crime, while those engaged in cycle theft see it as low risk in terms of being caught. Police recover just 3% of stolen bikes.

The problem is almost certainly much greater, as UCL research found that the police were typically only informed of one in every five cycle thefts. People often don't report it thinking there's nothing the police can do, so the full scale of the problem remains hidden.

The national police lead on cycle theft, Supt Mark Cleland, says he and his colleagues are about to launch a national cycle crime strategy after identifying cycle theft hotspots and priorities across England and Wales. The London-based cycle crime unit is being disbanded, and training will be given to 23 officers in regional cycle crime taskforces.

"We are working hard to stem the rise of violent crime, and to strike the right balance between what's causing that harm and risk, but also what impacts on commuters and other victims of crime," Cleland says.

"That doesn't mean our focus on cycle crime has stopped. Instead of having that central expertise in London, it means there's more skills to tackle the problem locally."

Cycle crime hotspots were identified as Cambridge, Oxford, Southampton, Portsmouth, Hull, Central London, Bristol, Bournemouth, Leicester, Middlesbrough and Reading. Most cycle thefts occur near or in people's homes, but thieves also target transport hubs and university campuses.

Those who can afford a second bike might have a "beater", a cheap bike they leave in risky areas and can afford to lose - but for those who earn less than £10,000 a year, and live in a small flat, that's less likely to be an option.

The police say they will will continue with enforcement, along with more granular prevention strategies like improving safety at bike racks, education on safe locking techniques, and registering more bike frame serial numbers with retailers, to get more recovered bikes back to their owners.

"It's not just about policing," Cleland says. "It's about how we problem solve. That means working with people like Bike Register and train operating companies to design theft out."

Police will also work with websites like Gumtree and eBay, where more than half of stolen bikes are sold.

Cleland points out there is no legislation around the sale of secondhand bikes, meaning they can easily be disposed of, either whole or stripped for parts. It doesn't help that most bike serial numbers are never registered, making it hard for police to return recovered bikes.

Cycling UK discovered a case where a man tracked down his stolen bike and police confirmed it was his and convicted the thief. However, he was told as the final purchaser had bought it in good faith, he would have to go through civil courts to claim it back.

Cycling UK's Sam Jones said: "If this had been a car, a diamond ring or high-value item of jewellery would this have happened? I think not - but because it's a bike, hands are washed, and the victim is left adrift from justice.

"With behaviour like this, it's no wonder many people don't bother contacting the police when their bike is stolen, and consequently give up cycling."

Cycle theft can have a severe impact on people's lives, and if a bike is stolen there is about a 20% chance the victim will not replace it, losing their transport, exercise, and potentially access to local communities and services.Cleland insists the police do care. "We have some really good results for cycle thieves, we arrest a lot of people. We don't ignore it. It is a crime, and if there's an opportunity to arrest someone, we will."

"There's an organised element," he adds. "People steal bikes to get money or to go and commit crimes, people steal bikes to sell to buy drugs."

The former London unit tackled 6,780 cycle theft cases from 1 April to February 2019, and it saw a 2% drop in theft compared with a 2% rise nationally. Now they are being disbanded, perhaps they can replicate this success elsewhere.

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Bike theft affects the young and poor most - why is it not taken seriously?

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National cycle crime strategy set to launch after survey finds 50% of victims feel police don't take the offence seriously

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Inside the hollow shackle, there’s a compressed, noxious gas that is very unpleasant and potentially vomit inducing. And if a thief penetrates the shackle, this gas will be expelled out, towards the thief...

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Inside the hollow shackle, there’s a compressed, noxious gas that is very unpleasant and potentially vomit inducing. And if a thief penetrates the shackle, this gas will be expelled out, towards the thief...

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Many new products claim to be unique. But very few really are. However, I can confidently say that the SkunkLock is the only bike lock in the world that will defend your bike by attacking the thief that's trying to steal it!

Yep. Any thief that manages to break through the shackle of the SkunkLock, will be met with a cloud of noxious, vomit inducing gas, that's likely to drive them far away from your bike, as fast as possible.

Now, once you've stopped cheering, sit back and relax, because there's a lot to think about here...

There are a lot of questions to ask. And in this SkunkLock review I hope to add some clarity. How secure is it? How easy is it to carry around on a bike? How easy is it to use? And is it even legal?

How secure is the SkunkLock?

As a general rule, I only review bike locks that have security ratings from either Sold Secure or ART. But the SkunkLock has neither. And as far as I understand, there are no plans to submit the lock for testing and certification either.

To be honest, I'm not sure how we could judge whatever rating the SkunkLock received anyway. Because it doesn't work like a regular bike lock...

Regular bike locks offer two distinct layers of security: a psychological layer and (a much more important) physical layer.

The psychological layer is all about how tough the bike lock looks. If it looks strong enough, then many bike thieves won't even bother messing with it. The physical layer, on the other hand, is all about how tough the bike lock really is, (how difficult it is to break it open).

With regular bike locks, if a thief overcomes the psychological and physical security of your lock, they will almost certainly ride away with your bike!

But SkunkLock adds another layer of security. If a thief does compromise the SkunkLock, that's not the end of the story. Because a cloud of noxious gas will hopefully drive them away without your bike!

Since Sold Secure and ART only measure how hard it is to break a lock open, they would discount this extra layer of protection, which would lead to a rating that doesn't fully recognize how well the SkunkLock protects your bike.

That's presuming that they'd be prepared to test a bike lock that expels noxious gas in the first place!

We, of course, are not bound by such constraints! So let's review those three layers of security in a bit more detail.

1. Psychological Security

Visually, the SkunkLock is a beast! It's got a 24 mm shackle, a 43 mm thick body, and it weighs 3.92lb (1.77 kg). It certainly looks very imposing and secure.

Obviously, psychological security is very much secondary to how secure it really is (physically). But we shouldn't discount the deterrent factor and the number of thieves that will leave it alone, just because it looks tough.

2. Physical Security

With u-locks, the most important thing to consider (in terms of physical security) is usually the shackle thickness. But this is also a bit complicated with the SkunkLock!

That's because the shackle is actually hollow to accommodate all that nasty gas. So, the full diameter of the shackle is a whopping 24 mm. But 5 mm is plastic casing and 11 mm is hollow space.

This leaves 8 mm of protective, hardened steel. But that's 8 mm of steel formed in a tube, so the walls of the tube are 4 mm thick.

Manual bolt cutters don't have jaws wide enough to fit around such a thick shackle. Hydraulic bolt cutters are a different story, of course, and would crop this (and most other bike locks) easily. And the shackle could also be sawn through (slowly) or cut with an angle grinder (quickly).

My main concern would be a leverage attack with a scaffold pole, other long piece of metal. The SkunkLock shackle locks on both sides, so it's unlikely to pop open. But the hollow shackle might deform to such an extent that the lock becomes unusable.

Now, it goes without saying, that a bike lock with a hollow 8 mm shackle won't be as secure as a bike lock with a solid 18 mm shackle. But locks with solid shackles won't spray you with vomit inducing gas if you cut into them!

What the guys at SkunkLock have done is make compromises to the physical security of their bike lock in order to add this extra layer of "attack security" (the gas).

They would argue that it doesn't matter if your shackle is 18 mm of solid steel or 8 mm of hollow steel. Since an angle grinder will tear through both of them, more steel (more physical security) isn't the answer.

They would say you need something else. Hence, the SkunkLock's gas attack!

To be honest, I'm entirely unconvinced by the argument, (which you'll hear across the internet), that portable angle grinders render all bike locks pointless, (for reasons I won't go into here, but should be obvious).

However, it is undoubtedly true that an angle grinder can defeat any bike lock. And there are several other tools that will defeat most bike locks.

So what the SkunkLock is essentially offering, is a way to save your bike, even when your lock is defeated...

3. Gas Attack Security

So how does the SkunkLock's extra layer of protection work? Inside the hollow shackle, there's a compressed, noxious gas that is very unpleasant and potentially vomit inducing.

And if a thief penetrates the shackle, this gas will be expelled out, towards the thief...

Cue: surprise, gasping revulsion and possibly vomiting. Contrary to what you may have read, the gas isn't pepper spray (although some versions of the lock do contain capsaicin, which is used in pepper spray).

The gas, is, in fact, formulated from food grade chemicals (think rancid butter, Parmesan cheese and vomit). So it won't cause permanent harm to the thief. But it's designed to be so unpleasant, that in high concentrations it will induce vomiting!

And the idea is, that this extremely unpleasant experience will cause the thief to flee without your bike!

Now, hands up, I've not yet cut the SkunkLock to test just how aggressive and unpleasant the gas is. And to be honest, I'm a bit wary of trying at the moment (which shows the SkunkLock is doing its job already).

But I'd imagine, that how well it works, will depend on a whole load of environmental factors. The position of the lock. How big the cut in the lock is. How strong and which way the wind is blowing. How enclosed the space is. Etc etc!

But if it is unpleasant enough to induce vomiting in those exposed to it, then it's very likely to drive them away from your bike, without stealing it.

Are there legal and moral questions about a lock that expels noxious gas into the face of a thief? Unfortunately, yes. But they don't really affect the security of the bike lock, so we'll review those later on.

Security Summary

So just how well will the SkunkLock protect your bike? Visually, it looks the part. And that beefy form will act as a deterrent and scare off a surprising number of thieves.

Physically, it's double bolted to resist leverage attacks and the shackle's too wide for normal bolt cutters to get a grip on.

A hollow shackle will obviously never withstand a cutting attack as well as a solid shackle. And this is where the SkunkLock has compromised physical security, in order to accommodate the extra layer of protection that only it offers: the gas attack.

The question is: does it make the right amount of compromise? Too much, and the lock isn't strong enough to take seriously. Too little and the bike lock will be unusable (due to excessive bulk and weight) or unviable (due to being too expensive).

In terms of security, I'd say they've got the balance about right. Even the regular, physical protection the SkunkLock provides should be pretty formidable. It shouldn't be defeated by casual thieves.

And then, the gas attack will provide that extra layer of protection against the more serious thieves (who are quite likely to get through the more secure locks, as well, anyway).

Of course, a u-lock that's full of noxious gas has to make compromises in areas other than security. And these compromises will affect the way you use the lock. So let's review those next...

Is the SkunkLock easy to carry?

As I've already mentioned, the SkunkLock is a beast. It's big. And it's heavy, However, it's much lighter than it looks, and much lighter than similarly sized bike locks, due to its hollow shackle...

It's a standard sized u-lock, with internal dimensions of 4.25" x 9.0" (10.8 x 22.9 cm). Due to its bulk, it looks a lot like the OnGuard Brute Standard and the Kryptonite New York Standard.

But it's actually significantly lighter, and at 3.92 lb (1.77 kg), its weight is closer to the Kryptonite Evolution 4 Standard or the Tex-lock, neither of which are considered particularly heavy locks.

Like all big u-locks, there's a challenge as to the best way to carry it around on your bike. But unlike most other u-locks, it doesn't come with a frame mount to help you out with this.

The problem is: designing a frame mount that can accommodate such a big lock, and that will fit on every bike, is really difficult. And even when you get it right, loads of people complain, (usually because they haven't followed the installation instructions properly!).

So, I suspect the guys at SkunkLock have just decided to abdicate responsibility for this! Which is understandable from a start-up, but still frustrating, as you're going to have to sort it out yourself...

You're really left with three options: carry it around in a backpack or pannier, strap it to your luggage rack (if you have one), or buy a third party u-lock mount that will accommodate the SkunkLock.

I'd imagine that most cyclists will improvise with bags or panniers. And the fact that it's not super heavy makes this much easier. On the other hand, because it's really bulky, you might need a big(ger?) bag!

If you'd prefer to buy a dedicated frame mount, then make sure it accommodates the bulk of the SkunkLock.

Fabric Horse, Kryptonite and Huldit all make u-lock mounts that will fit the SkunkLock. And if you google "u-lock" holster, you'll find plenty more.

Is the SkunkLock easy to use?

The SkunkLock works much like any other standard size u-lock. True, it's more bulky, so in a tight spot, you might struggle a little bit more to get it into position.

But the generous internal dimensions will actually give you loads of locking opportunities. You should be able to get it around your frame, one wheel and a bike rack very easily...

You should try to fill as much of the internal space with your bike and whatever you're locking it to. This is good advice for any u-lock, to protect it from leverage attacks. But I would especially advise it for the SkunkLock.

With enough leverage (say from a length of scaffold pole), it's not clear to me whether the hollow shackle would buckle or crack. Either way, the gas may be released, and the bike lock would no longer be usable, so it's best to try to prevent this!

For more options and the safest locking techniques, check out my article on how to lock your bike properly.

There is a laminated warning label attached to the lock, (for legal reasons, I presume). It could get in the way a bit when you're trying to lock your bike up, and be slightly annoying.

But it's apparently important that it remains attached to the lock. And if the original gets spoiled (which seem almost certain), you're advised to replace it (SkunkLock can supply).

The shackle locks into the crossbar cleanly, and the keys turn easily. You'll get 3 keys and a key code with which you can order replacements, should you lose them.

There's no cover for the keyhole, which has advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, it leaves the locking mechanism exposed to water and street grime, which could potentially corrode or jam it up.

However, on the other hand, there's less chance that water will get trapped in the mechanism (behind the keyhole cover) and freeze, which will also cause jamming issues. Plus, there are fewer things to break...

I say this, having just spent an hour fighting a broken keyhole cover (with a screwdriver) that had made a different lock unusable.

So I wouldn't worry about the keyhole cover. Whether a lock has one or not, the most important thing to do is to clean and lubricate it every few months. This will protect you against all sorts of problems in the future!

Is the SkunkLock a "Single Use" Bike Lock?

One very important thing to consider is: what happens after the lock is attacked and releases its gas (hopefully repelling the thief)? Once the shackle is cut and the gas has escaped, it obviously won't work again.

Well, apparently you can order replacement shackles from SkunkLock for around a third of the price of the lock, which seems fairly reasonable I suppose. But it is an extra cost that you should be aware of.

Is the SkunkLock Legal?

I think the most common question that most cyclists will have, when you tell them about a bike lock that spays thieves with a vomit inducing, noxious gas, (once they've finished celebrating, of course), is: " but is it legal?".

And it's a good question, with an (unfortunately) complicated answer. Because, like so many other things in life, the legality or otherwise, will depend on where you are.

SkunkLock have gone to great lengths to ensure that the lock is legal in every country and state. The lock is plastered with warning messages, and there are three different gas formulas to meet the legal requirements of different places.

For example, in the EU and some US states, where pepper spray is not allowed, the gas doesn't include capsicum (a key ingredient in pepper spray).

I think the thing to remember is that the SkunkLock is not weaponized, and the gas inside will not cause long term harm to anyone. It's just meant to be so completely disgusting, that it will drive people away!

However, if you're really worried about this, you should consult the specific laws of your country or state.

Conclusion: Is the SkunkLock worth it?

The SkunkLock is something we've never seen before. But it's something many cyclists have been calling for, for a long, long time. Finally: a way to fight back against the bike thieves that have been terrorizing our community!

The truth is, we won't know how successfully it does this for a while. It needs to be tested against real thieves in the streets, sheds and garages, where we habitually keep our bikes. However, my experience with it, was very positive.

There's a difficult balance to get right here. The lock needs to provide a sufficient level of conventional protection, to function reliably as a regular bike lock. And it needs to do that while maintaining a usable size and weight, and a realistic price.

Now, there's no doubt the SkunkLock is an expensive bike lock ( check the Amazon price). It's at the very top end of what you'd expect to pay. But it is unique. So we should expect to pay a bit more.

But what of that balance? For me, it seems like they haven't compromised the conventional security too much. It looks and feels like a very secure bike lock. And while it's a little bit more bulky than other standard size u-locks, it's certainly not unusually heavy.

The lack of carrying options will be challenging for some (including me). I don't usually carry a bag when I'm cycling, and there's nowhere else it will fit naturally on my bike. So I would have to buy a holster or take a bag with me specially.

Personally, I think the SkunkLock will work really well as a stay at home lock. The element of surprise and the effects of the cloud of noxious gas would be massively concentrated in the dark confines of a bike shed or garage. Hopefully leading to utter panic in the bike thief!

So I might be tempted to use it as home security and then bring it out (in a bag) if I was going to leave my bike in a particularly risky situation.

But other cyclists will have other bikes, other circumstances and other preferences!

What's great, is that in the SkunkLock we have new options. Another layer of security. And a unique way to fight back against bike theft.

If this review hasn't convinced you though, check out my easy 3-step guide to choosing the best bike lock, or I've also selected three interesting, alternative locks below...

Alternatives to the SkunkLock

Of course, if the SkunkLock isn't right for you, as always, there are other options. There are no other bike locks that are directly comparable with the SkunkLock in terms of function.

But there's a couple that are similar in terms of form and one that has an extra level of protection too...

Kryptonite New York Standard

Indeed, the only way anyone is going to get through the New York Standard is with an angle grinder.

However, as we've already discussed at length, a thief can cut through this (and any other bike lock) with an angle grinder, and walk off with your bike, usually unchallenged.

Only the SkunkLock will bite back as it's being compromised, hopefully driving the thief away, without your bike.

Litelok X1

What's great about the Litelok X1 is that it manages this incredible level of security (Sold Secure Motorcycle Diamond), without being excessively heavy, small or expensive. Read my full Litelok X1 review.

Abus 770 Smart X

So we know it's going to be pretty secure. The question is: what kind of deterrent is an alarm against a thief with an angle grinder?

The angle grinder part of this question is important, since it can also be used as a very dangerous weapon.

Bike thieves are certainly not above using an angle grinder to attack people. And passers-by will at least suspect and fear that.

So if a thief is brazen enough to use an angle grinder in the street, he's brazen enough to ignore an alarm. Because he also knows that passers-by are very unlikely to intervene for fear of attack.

I'm not sure an alarm offers much extra protection!

SkunkLock Specs
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SkunkLock Review: the bike lock that bites back! | The Best Bike Lock

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A complete, hands on SkunkLock review. How secure is it? Is it angle grinder resistant? How easy is it to carry and use? Is it good value? What are the alternatives?

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You wouldn't STEAL a CAR? (Hilarious anti piracy commercial)

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How To Get Your Bike Stolen | Simple Step By Step Guide

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Do you hate your bike and want to get rid of it? We've put together a list of the best tips that are guaranteed to get your bike stolen. Thank us later!

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Every year thieves steal an estimated 200,000 bicycles in England and Wales. Tom Whipple isn’t surprised. Every one he has ever bought has been nicked

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Every year thieves steal an estimated 200,000 bicycles in England and Wales. Tom Whipple isn’t surprised. Every one he has ever bought has been nicked

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I still remember my first time. It happened, naturally enough, in the bike sheds. Looking back it feels like a rite of passage. A loss of innocence. It was a late summer's evening and I was 16.

There, beside the cycle racks, I stood briefly in confusion, unable to see my bike. On the ground was my chain lock. That's weird, I thought. Beside it was my helmet. Why would I have left it there?

Then, embarrassingly slowly, I realised what had happened: my chain lock was severed, my helmet had fallen to the ground and the reason I couldn't see my bike was because someone had taken it.

I began the walk home.

Ten bikes and a quarter of a century later the feeling

I still remember my first time. It happened, naturally enough, in the bike sheds. Looking back it feels like a rite of passage. A loss of innocence. It was a late summer's evening and I was 16.

There, beside the cycle racks, I stood briefly in confusion, unable to see my bike. On the ground was my chain lock. That's weird, I thought. Beside it was my helmet. Why would I have left it there?

Then, embarrassingly slowly, I realised what had happened: my chain lock was severed, my helmet had fallen to the ground and the reason I couldn't see my bike was because someone had taken it.

I began the walk home.

Ten bikes and a quarter of a century later the feeling

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I have owned 11 bikes. This is how they were stolen

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Every year, thieves steal an estimated 200,000 bicycles in England and Wales. Tom Whipple isn't surprised. Every one he has ever bought has been nicked

# data[].attributes.headline
I have owned 11 bikes. This is how they were stolen

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I have owned 11 bikes. This is how they were stolen

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
I still remember my first time. It happened, naturally enough, in the bike sheds. Looking back it feels like a rite of passage. A loss of innocence. It was a late summer's evening and I was 16.

There, beside the cycle racks, I stood briefly in confusion, unable to see my bike. On the ground was my chain lock. That's weird, I thought. Beside it was my helmet. Why would I have left it there?

Then, embarrassingly slowly, I realised what had happened: my chain lock was severed, my helmet had fallen to the ground and the reason I couldn't see my bike was because someone had taken it.

I began the walk home.

Ten bikes and a quarter of a century later the feeling

I still remember my first time. It happened, naturally enough, in the bike sheds. Looking back it feels like a rite of passage. A loss of innocence. It was a late summer's evening and I was 16.

There, beside the cycle racks, I stood briefly in confusion, unable to see my bike. On the ground was my chain lock. That's weird, I thought. Beside it was my helmet. Why would I have left it there?

Then, embarrassingly slowly, I realised what had happened: my chain lock was severed, my helmet had fallen to the ground and the reason I couldn't see my bike was because someone had taken it.

I began the walk home.

Ten bikes and a quarter of a century later the feeling

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I have owned 11 bikes. This is how they were stolen

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Every year, thieves steal an estimated 200,000 bicycles in England and Wales. Tom Whipple isn't surprised. Every one he has ever bought has been nicked

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Ten ways to protect your bike by metropolitan police

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Ten ways to protect your bike by metropolitan police

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1. Double lock it
2. Lock the lot
3. Secure it
4. Take removable parts with you
5. Park securely
6. Register it
7. Mark it
8. Remember safety begins at home
9. Check ownership
10. Act fast

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Bike thief caught after victim’s mother held three-day protest outside his house

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Bike thief caught after victim’s mother held three-day protest outside his house

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A prolific bike thief was finally caught after the frustrated mother of one of his victims tracked him down and protested outside his house for three days with a "Where's My Bike Dave?" placard.

David Seagar, 49, stole eight bicycles in a summer-long spree last year, sparking the sit-in protest by Fiona Bateman.

It came after she spotted him steal her son's mountain bike from their carport on a neighbour's CCTV system.

Ms Bateman reported the crime to police, but believed "not much was happening", so she decided to take matters into her own hands.

Seagar, of Witney, Oxfordshire, was repeatedly identified with the help of social media users, helping the mother to find out where he lived.

Ms Bateman then sat outside his house over the course of three days with the placard, cheered on by social media users.

Members of the Spotted Witney Facebook group even dropped off a hot chocolate and a bunch of flowers in a show of support.

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Bike thief caught after victim's mother held three-day protest outside his house

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Fiona Bateman reported the crime to police after her son's mountain bike was stolen but believed 'not much was happening'

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8% of stolen bikes were worth more than £1000

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8% of stolen bikes were worth more than £1000

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Life in bike theft Britain: ‘Afterwards, I couldn’t face going outside’

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Life in bike theft Britain: ‘Afterwards, I couldn’t face going outside’

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Life in bike theft Britain: ‘Afterwards, I couldn’t face going outside’

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It is a crime that can leave victims financially and emotionally crushed - yet is very rarely solved by police. Is anything being done to stop it?

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Newcastle vigilante jailed for motorbike thief killing - this could happen in cycle theft 

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Newcastle vigilante jailed for motorbike thief killing - this could happen in cycle theft 

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Newcastle vigilante jailed for motorbike thief killing

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Mihai Dinisoae pursued his Honda bike by car after it was taken from outside his home in Newcastle.

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Don’t be fooled by Kryptonite locks, they’re not as tough as made out to be. Also D-bars with tubular Bicycle Thief Bolt Cutterslocks, never use them, they’re the most easy to pick with a little tool. 

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Don’t be fooled by Kryptonite locks, they’re not as tough as made out to be. Also D-bars with tubular Bicycle Thief Bolt Cutterslocks, never use them, they’re the most easy to pick with a little tool. 

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We interviewed a former London bike thief, who revealed a side of bike crime we rarely get a glimpse of... So, you are an ex-bike thief from London? When and why did you begin stealing bikes?
I started stealing push-bikes when I was 16. Motivation was money, bikes are quick and easy money. There were two of us who stole pedal bikes and high-performance motorbikes.
Did you target specific types of bicycles and locations in London? What was the thought process?
High-value bikes were the main targets like Carrera racers, no-logo fixie bikes, Boardman racers and Ridgeback bikes. These were the popular quick sale bikes that were called golds (because of the payback to time value of them).

Bike locations, there is a thing what we would call London rings or hotspots, where bike security seemed to be less of a problem. The more central you got the worse the locks, where people let their guard down more. Going out of London, locks would get better and locations fewer, so the time and effort put in would not be worth it. Borough of Islington, Hackney, West End and the central mile were our hunting grounds. The more CCTV and people the better. People are like sheep, they feel safe and pay less attention when they're together.

At first it was a hit and miss game. Grab the bike and go kind of thing, but as time moved on and we worked out there was money to be made, we stepped up our approach. For example, if it wouldn't sell for more than £200, it wouldn't be taken.
How did you steal the bikes? What tools and techniques did you use?
At first it was with basic wire cutters and the average bolt cutters you could buy in somewhere like Homebase. As time went on the tools upgraded to a pair of bolt cutters a friend bought in America for us on his holidays. These were 42-inch high toughened, foldable bolt cutters, which would fit into a rucksack and would cut through any D-bar, or any chain.

Don't be fooled by Kryptonite locks, they're not as tough as made out to be. Also D-bars with tubular locks, never use them, they're the most easy to pick with a little tool. It's small and discreet, no noise and it looks like you are just unlocking your bike. With the bolt cutters we would go out on high performance motorbikes, two men on a bike.

The pillion would carry the cutters. When we found a bike the pillion would jump off, snip the chain in seconds. 'Boltys' back in the bag, the driver would take the bag and drive off whilst the pillion, who is now on the push bike, would cycle off. We would do this up to five times a night, every weekend.
How and who did you sell the stolen bikes to?
Main place at first was Gumtree. But the longer you sell, the more people and contacts you would make. At the peak of it we had links all over London - north, south, west and east, Southend-on-Sea, Colchester, Hull and Leicester. The further the bike had to go, the more would be sold in packages. A contact in Southend would pay a lesser price for 10 in one go and would pick up in a van once a month. Bikes were never sold for parts; it's not worth it - too much time and effort.
How quickly could you sell a bike on and how much would you get on average for each bike?
A bike could be sold in a matter of minutes at the peak of it, to one of many known regular contacts. Longest was around a day. Bikes were never kept at home, they were always locked back up on the street. Somewhere, even outside police stations locked up. If the police ever raided your house then no goods would ever be found.
Was stealing and selling bikes full-time for you? How many bikes would you steal each month?
No, I worked as a full time forklift driver, but the money was barely enough to pay bills and rent. You can't live on today's minimum wage.

The prices work out at half the retail value of the bike in the shop. So a £1000 bike would be sold for £500, to a person on Gumtree, or if it was to a regular link then £400. We would work Thursday, Friday and Saturdays as soon as it was dark. Police are extra busy dealing with drunks at these times. We would get on average 10 bikes a weekend.
Did you ever steal to a specific request or demand? Did you watch certain cyclists and bikes for a period before the theft?
No, that makes it long; we would literally go out on the motorbike into central and just pick bikes up anywhere. Front of tube stations, bike racks, metal fences, underground car parks, bike parks, etc.

From the moment you pull up, to the moment the bike is cut and bolt cutters are back on the motorbike would be 10 seconds at the most, so no one really knew what was going on, almost I imagine like you have to question yourself like, did I really just see that?

No one ever confronted us or said - what are you doing?
Were you ever put off stealing certain bikes? Was it due to location or security measures?
CCTV was not a put off. We had helmets on so we couldn't be identified (well, we thought so at least). Location didn't matter, we were young and reckless, and we didn't care about security or people. If it went wrong, just get back on bike and go.
Did the owner of the bike ever cross your mind? Did you feel guilty?
Yes all the time, I'm not going to say I was a cold, heartless guy. The victim crossed my mind a lot, but it's a dog-eat-dog world when I was in that position. I did feel sorry for the victim and how they felt, but money makes you do things you shouldn't be doing.

How can you live in a world and try to teach kids the right way of life when they're surrounded by rich, lawless thugs and poor, normal people who work and stick by the law, but can't afford clothes on their back because of the cost of living. It's like cost of living was and is still going up, but wages are going down? No one can give an answer for that.
Why did you decide to stop stealing bikes? Was it something specific that made you stop?
I got greedy and got caught - money goes to your head eventually. We were chased by police and a helicopter one time after a move went wrong. We were at a set of lights and several cop cars pulled up, we managed to duck and leave the motorbike, but the helicopter was already above.

We were sentenced to 18 months in young offenders at the age of 20. I spent my 21st, Christmas and New Year in jail and I'm not going to lie, that was heart-breaking to not be with family, the kids or even just at home during these times of the year.

I learned that my family is more important than having designer clothes on your back or expensive trainers, or loads of money. It all hit me the minute that judge said them words and I saw my mum, my misses of three years break down in court. My mum was a strong woman and that was the first time I saw her cry out of pure love, she wasn't mad, she wasn't angry, she understood that times were hard.

I let them down and I knew my mum was crying because she felt like she hadn't done a good enough job of raising me. My old man never once stepped foot in court and that's for the same reason of him feeling ashamed. And that is the worst feeling to know that I let the man I look up to down. I felt ashamed.
How would you prevent your own bike becoming stolen? What are your top tips?
Never use a chain, they're too easy to snip. Use a small D-lock on front and back wheels. If your lock can be moved about that means the thief's bolt cutters can get around them, at the right angle they won't. Stiff D-locks are hard to snip because you need the right angle on the cutters to get the force to close them.
What can the police and authorities do, in your opinion, to help cyclists protect their bikes? Who has a responsibility to help?
Police I feel can't really do anything these days, unless they catch you physically cutting a chain. Too many human rights.

Bike serial numbers can be so easily shaved off, filed and painted over. Serial numbers need to somehow be made more tamper proof and a bike register needs to be put in place, a bit like cars I think. Only way I see is to get your bike sprayed with a special smart water device which is invisible and is basically like a DNA code on your bike and can only be seen under UV lights.

Trackers, yes, they were a worry, but that is why we kept them on the street, if they were found the police would simply just take it back. Secure parking is the worst for putting your bike in. So quiet you can spend time in a secure parking lot without causing suspicion.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Just trying to give a little back to society, I took so much; it's the least I can do. I'm sorry to the people whose bikes we took, but times were hard back then and unless you been there yourself, I don't think that you would understand, but I am truly sorry.
Our brief thoughts following this interview.
Some of the interview answers we feel will be a shock to most people, who expect things such as CCTV and crowded places to be a theft deterrent. This makes educational pieces around the lock quality, type and good practice of effectively securing your bike all the more important.

The ex-thief mentions tubular D locks. Whilst companies such as Kryptonite (who have a good reputation) stopped selling these many years ago, it is important for all cyclists to be sure they are not still using an old style lock.

The price the stolen bikes had been sold on was a surprise to us, as usually it is known to be much less. Whilst this particular individual did not watch certain bikes and cyclists before committing the crime, it is common knowledge that some thieves watch certain locations and bikes in advance. Even sometimes stealing the specific bike to order.

The stolen bike supply and demand network that stretches throughout London and beyond is highlighted. Combating this black market is essential in our opinion, in order to remove the simplicity and high financial reward of committing the crime. The important point regarding bike registration is vital for not only the police identifying and recovering stolen bikes, but also in protecting potential buyers who can check the status of the bike online.

This interview has been mentioned in Cycling Weekly, London Evening Standard, The Huffington Post, Metro, London Cyclist, Brixton Blog and many more high profile publications. Stolen Ride is the owner of this interview transcript, but the content can be used if full credit is clearly given to stolenride.co.uk

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An interview with a former London bike thief - Stolen Ride

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We interviewed a former London bike thief, who revealed a side of bike crime we rarely get a glimpse of... So, you are an ex-bike thief from London? When and why did you begin stealing bikes? I started stealing push-bikes when I was 16. Motivation was money, bikes are quick and easy money.

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London bicycle theft crime rate comparison map

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London bicycle theft crime rate comparison map

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Annual crime rate in London region is 2 crimes per annum per 1000 workday people as of July 2023. Compared to the national crime rate, London's crime rate is at 166%. Bicycle theft crime makes up 1.5% of all crimes reported in the region. The total number of "bicycle theft crime" is 17.3k, and this number has decreased by 14.3% when compared year-over-year in the period of August 2022 - July 2023.

2

annual crime rate per 1k workday people

166%

of national crime rate

London bicycle theft crime rate comparison map

London bicycle theft crime rate rank

Bicycle theft crime rate is 2 crimes reported per 1,000 working people per annum. It's the 1. highest crime rate out of 9 England and Wales' regions.

1.

highest crime rate out of 9 regions

2

annual crime rate per 1k workday people

London bicycle theft crime rate compared to other regions

The total number of "bicycle theft crime" is 17.3k, and this number has decreased by 14.3% when compared year-over-year in the period of August 2022 - July 2023. In the graph below, region are compared by crime rate and crime rate percentage change. Crime rate percentage change compares the region crime rate between August 2022 - July 2023 to the region crime rate in the previous 12 months. The size of the circle reflects the number of total crimes reported. The bigger the circle, the higher the number of crimes reported in the region.

2

annual crime rate per 1k workday people

Crime rate percentage change
Crime rate per 1000 workday people

London bicycle theft crime volume

Number of crime incidents by month from January 2011 to July 2023.

London bicycle theft crime rate

Annual crime rate per 1000 workday people

London bicycle theft crime seasonality

Total number of crimes reported in a given calendar month (1 = January ... 12 = December) in the previous five years, i.e. from 2018 till 2022.

Plumplot area insights - interactive charts and maps

Other reports for London region

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London bicycle theft crime statistics in maps and graphs.

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Crime rate trends and ranking. Comparison to national crime rate and to other regions.

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At first it was with basic wire cutters and the average bolt cutters you could buy in somewhere like Homebase. 

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At first it was with basic wire cutters and the average bolt cutters you could buy in somewhere like Homebase. 

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We interviewed a former London bike thief, who revealed a side of bike crime we rarely get a glimpse of... So, you are an ex-bike thief from London? When and why did you begin stealing bikes?
I started stealing push-bikes when I was 16. Motivation was money, bikes are quick and easy money. There were two of us who stole pedal bikes and high-performance motorbikes.
Did you target specific types of bicycles and locations in London? What was the thought process?
High-value bikes were the main targets like Carrera racers, no-logo fixie bikes, Boardman racers and Ridgeback bikes. These were the popular quick sale bikes that were called golds (because of the payback to time value of them).

Bike locations, there is a thing what we would call London rings or hotspots, where bike security seemed to be less of a problem. The more central you got the worse the locks, where people let their guard down more. Going out of London, locks would get better and locations fewer, so the time and effort put in would not be worth it. Borough of Islington, Hackney, West End and the central mile were our hunting grounds. The more CCTV and people the better. People are like sheep, they feel safe and pay less attention when they're together.

At first it was a hit and miss game. Grab the bike and go kind of thing, but as time moved on and we worked out there was money to be made, we stepped up our approach. For example, if it wouldn't sell for more than £200, it wouldn't be taken.
How did you steal the bikes? What tools and techniques did you use?
At first it was with basic wire cutters and the average bolt cutters you could buy in somewhere like Homebase. As time went on the tools upgraded to a pair of bolt cutters a friend bought in America for us on his holidays. These were 42-inch high toughened, foldable bolt cutters, which would fit into a rucksack and would cut through any D-bar, or any chain.

Don't be fooled by Kryptonite locks, they're not as tough as made out to be. Also D-bars with tubular locks, never use them, they're the most easy to pick with a little tool. It's small and discreet, no noise and it looks like you are just unlocking your bike. With the bolt cutters we would go out on high performance motorbikes, two men on a bike.

The pillion would carry the cutters. When we found a bike the pillion would jump off, snip the chain in seconds. 'Boltys' back in the bag, the driver would take the bag and drive off whilst the pillion, who is now on the push bike, would cycle off. We would do this up to five times a night, every weekend.
How and who did you sell the stolen bikes to?
Main place at first was Gumtree. But the longer you sell, the more people and contacts you would make. At the peak of it we had links all over London - north, south, west and east, Southend-on-Sea, Colchester, Hull and Leicester. The further the bike had to go, the more would be sold in packages. A contact in Southend would pay a lesser price for 10 in one go and would pick up in a van once a month. Bikes were never sold for parts; it's not worth it - too much time and effort.
How quickly could you sell a bike on and how much would you get on average for each bike?
A bike could be sold in a matter of minutes at the peak of it, to one of many known regular contacts. Longest was around a day. Bikes were never kept at home, they were always locked back up on the street. Somewhere, even outside police stations locked up. If the police ever raided your house then no goods would ever be found.
Was stealing and selling bikes full-time for you? How many bikes would you steal each month?
No, I worked as a full time forklift driver, but the money was barely enough to pay bills and rent. You can't live on today's minimum wage.

The prices work out at half the retail value of the bike in the shop. So a £1000 bike would be sold for £500, to a person on Gumtree, or if it was to a regular link then £400. We would work Thursday, Friday and Saturdays as soon as it was dark. Police are extra busy dealing with drunks at these times. We would get on average 10 bikes a weekend.
Did you ever steal to a specific request or demand? Did you watch certain cyclists and bikes for a period before the theft?
No, that makes it long; we would literally go out on the motorbike into central and just pick bikes up anywhere. Front of tube stations, bike racks, metal fences, underground car parks, bike parks, etc.

From the moment you pull up, to the moment the bike is cut and bolt cutters are back on the motorbike would be 10 seconds at the most, so no one really knew what was going on, almost I imagine like you have to question yourself like, did I really just see that?

No one ever confronted us or said - what are you doing?
Were you ever put off stealing certain bikes? Was it due to location or security measures?
CCTV was not a put off. We had helmets on so we couldn't be identified (well, we thought so at least). Location didn't matter, we were young and reckless, and we didn't care about security or people. If it went wrong, just get back on bike and go.
Did the owner of the bike ever cross your mind? Did you feel guilty?
Yes all the time, I'm not going to say I was a cold, heartless guy. The victim crossed my mind a lot, but it's a dog-eat-dog world when I was in that position. I did feel sorry for the victim and how they felt, but money makes you do things you shouldn't be doing.

How can you live in a world and try to teach kids the right way of life when they're surrounded by rich, lawless thugs and poor, normal people who work and stick by the law, but can't afford clothes on their back because of the cost of living. It's like cost of living was and is still going up, but wages are going down? No one can give an answer for that.
Why did you decide to stop stealing bikes? Was it something specific that made you stop?
I got greedy and got caught - money goes to your head eventually. We were chased by police and a helicopter one time after a move went wrong. We were at a set of lights and several cop cars pulled up, we managed to duck and leave the motorbike, but the helicopter was already above.

We were sentenced to 18 months in young offenders at the age of 20. I spent my 21st, Christmas and New Year in jail and I'm not going to lie, that was heart-breaking to not be with family, the kids or even just at home during these times of the year.

I learned that my family is more important than having designer clothes on your back or expensive trainers, or loads of money. It all hit me the minute that judge said them words and I saw my mum, my misses of three years break down in court. My mum was a strong woman and that was the first time I saw her cry out of pure love, she wasn't mad, she wasn't angry, she understood that times were hard.

I let them down and I knew my mum was crying because she felt like she hadn't done a good enough job of raising me. My old man never once stepped foot in court and that's for the same reason of him feeling ashamed. And that is the worst feeling to know that I let the man I look up to down. I felt ashamed.
How would you prevent your own bike becoming stolen? What are your top tips?
Never use a chain, they're too easy to snip. Use a small D-lock on front and back wheels. If your lock can be moved about that means the thief's bolt cutters can get around them, at the right angle they won't. Stiff D-locks are hard to snip because you need the right angle on the cutters to get the force to close them.
What can the police and authorities do, in your opinion, to help cyclists protect their bikes? Who has a responsibility to help?
Police I feel can't really do anything these days, unless they catch you physically cutting a chain. Too many human rights.

Bike serial numbers can be so easily shaved off, filed and painted over. Serial numbers need to somehow be made more tamper proof and a bike register needs to be put in place, a bit like cars I think. Only way I see is to get your bike sprayed with a special smart water device which is invisible and is basically like a DNA code on your bike and can only be seen under UV lights.

Trackers, yes, they were a worry, but that is why we kept them on the street, if they were found the police would simply just take it back. Secure parking is the worst for putting your bike in. So quiet you can spend time in a secure parking lot without causing suspicion.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Just trying to give a little back to society, I took so much; it's the least I can do. I'm sorry to the people whose bikes we took, but times were hard back then and unless you been there yourself, I don't think that you would understand, but I am truly sorry.
Our brief thoughts following this interview.
Some of the interview answers we feel will be a shock to most people, who expect things such as CCTV and crowded places to be a theft deterrent. This makes educational pieces around the lock quality, type and good practice of effectively securing your bike all the more important.

The ex-thief mentions tubular D locks. Whilst companies such as Kryptonite (who have a good reputation) stopped selling these many years ago, it is important for all cyclists to be sure they are not still using an old style lock.

The price the stolen bikes had been sold on was a surprise to us, as usually it is known to be much less. Whilst this particular individual did not watch certain bikes and cyclists before committing the crime, it is common knowledge that some thieves watch certain locations and bikes in advance. Even sometimes stealing the specific bike to order.

The stolen bike supply and demand network that stretches throughout London and beyond is highlighted. Combating this black market is essential in our opinion, in order to remove the simplicity and high financial reward of committing the crime. The important point regarding bike registration is vital for not only the police identifying and recovering stolen bikes, but also in protecting potential buyers who can check the status of the bike online.

This interview has been mentioned in Cycling Weekly, London Evening Standard, The Huffington Post, Metro, London Cyclist, Brixton Blog and many more high profile publications. Stolen Ride is the owner of this interview transcript, but the content can be used if full credit is clearly given to stolenride.co.uk

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
An interview with a former London bike thief - Stolen Ride

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We interviewed a former London bike thief, who revealed a side of bike crime we rarely get a glimpse of... So, you are an ex-bike thief from London? When and why did you begin stealing bikes? I started stealing push-bikes when I was 16. Motivation was money, bikes are quick and easy money.

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With record sales of bicycles seen in the UK over the course of the coronavirus pandemic, bike theft is still prevalent. Superintendent Mark Cleland at the British Transport Police (BTP) commented: "It's important that people understand how best to apply their locks."

A new bike

You've got your new bike and you're desperate to take it out for a spin. But before you head out, there's a few preventative measures you need to take first:

1. Make sure your bike is insured inside and outside your home. A third of bikes are stolen from garages, sheds and outhouses. Your insurer will usually insist that your bikes are locked to an immoveable object inside the garage, shed or outhouse - much the same way you'd lock your bike up if you're out and about. Cycling UK's insurance partner Yellow Jersey has information on the claims process, including what you need to do to demonstrate that the bicycle was secured in line with the company's security requirements, and to verify the value of the items being claimed for. Familiarise yourself with the policy wording before you purchase the discounted insurance with your Cycling UK membership.

2. Keep your receipt/order information and make a note of the bike's frame number (usually found underneath the down tube towards the bottom bracket). This is one of the ways the police can prove your bike is yours when they recover it in the unfortunate event it gets stolen.

3. Register your bike with BikeRegister, the UK's free national cycle database (Cycling UK members get 15% off BikeRegister marking kits for extra deterrent). Your local police force may also have a bike-marking initiative of their own. Registration is key. Without this, when the police recover a bike, if you can't prove the bike is yours, they're unlikely to return it to you: "We're trying to encourage registration as much as possible," says Mark.

4. Make sure your locks are sold secure - Gold if you can afford it. Most insurers won't accept anything less, and this grade of lock is more difficult for thieves to crack.

Take photos of your bike and make a note of any distinctive features (brand, model, any dents/scratches, unique paint jobs, stickers, distinctive gear).

Reporting cycle theft

If you are witnessing the theft taking place, do not approach the suspect, but call 999 immediately. If you have returned to where you parked your bike and it's disappeared, call 101. Give the police the four Ws:

Who - give as clear a description of the suspect as possible: what are they wearing? What do they look like? Are they carrying anything?

What - what they are stealing? Give the make and model of the bike, type of bike, colour, any markings or stickers, distinctive gear and the frame number.

Where - where is the crime taking place? Look for street names, or shop names in the location, or any landmarks nearby such as churches.

When - make a note of the time if the crime is happening now, or the time you first noticed the bike was missing.

Most police forces also have an online reporting tool you can find on their website.

What happens next?

You'll be given a crime reference number. Make a note of this, you'll need it for insurance purposes later on, as well as for any further correspondence with the police.

The police will then decide if they will investigate. This is dependent on lots of different factors, not necessarily down to the value of your bike.

"Solvability is decided by individual police forces. Imagine you lock your bike to a fence in the middle of a field somewhere - there's no CCTV, no witnesses - there's no evidence, so solvability in that case is extremely low. On the other hand, if you park your bike outside a police station, which is covered by CCTV, we'll have images of the suspect, so there's more of a chance we're going to identify them."

The police will keep the owner informed with updates on the progress of their investigation, and if a suspect is identified, they will be arrested for the theft.

If the bike is proven to belong to you (by supplying a receipt/order information, frame number and so on), then the bike will be returned to you. Unfortunately, on some occasions it's just not possible to solve the crime because of a lack of evidence needed to identify an offender and because there is no proof of ownership.

In general, Mark says that the recovery numbers for stolen bikes are quite good. For example, in a recent raid, the BTP recovered about 100 bicycles. However, only around 20 of them could be returned to their original owners because they were the only ones marked or registered, "In those circumstances you can't return them because we can't prove they belong to someone else".

Next, report your bike as stolen on BikeRegister - even if the bike has not previously been registered. By reporting a bike as stolen on the database, it is easier for members of the public or the police to prove a bike is in the wrong hands.

Spencer Payne at BikeRegister said that the database is used by all UK police forces to search for bikes they recover. "It aims to reduce cycle theft across the country and enables owners to be reunited with their bikes if they are stolen and recovered.

"Registering your bike for free on BikeRegister means you are more likely to be reunited with your bike in the event of it being stolen, but registration alone does not make it a hard target for thieves. Not all frame numbers are unique, but with a BikeRegister marking kit you can security mark your bike with its own unique ID, and at the same time give it an extra visual deterrent to thieves.

"If you love your bike and want to protect it, you need to security mark it. Applying a visible security mark and warning label will act as a strong deterrent to bike thieves."

Next, you need to let your insurance company know what's happened. Call the claims line and let them know the four Ws (Who, What, Where, When), along with how the bicycle was secured and for how long it was left. You'll need to provide the crime reference number, as well as proof of ownership for all the items stolen (the bike, accessories, gear and locks).

BikeRegister also recommends you contact local bike shops so that they can take your details and that of the stolen bike, in case the thief comes into the shop and tries to offer the bike for sale. Make sure you tell the shop your bike is registered on BikeRegister so they can also use the free BikeChecker to check whether a second-hand bike is listed as stolen.

You might also want to put up flyers in your neighbourhood and post photos of the bicycle on social media, asking bicycle forums and groups to share the post - the power of social media is incredible, these posts can be shared far and wide, and fast.

Locking your bike

Superintendent Mark Cleland explains: "The best way to lock your bike is to not lock it at all, take it with you, take it into your workplace if you can - that's why folding bikes are such a good example because you can take them anywhere."

Failing that, he says: "Use quality cycle stands, not fence posts or gates. Check the stand before you lock your bike."

"There have been a series of incidents where cycle stands have been sawn through and taped up, so that if you don't double-lock your bike as we advise, the thieves can simply lift your bike up and slip the D lock through the gap they've made by sawing through the cycle stand."

It's also a good idea to check the base of the stand too, to make sure it's solidly secured to the floor. It's important to consider lighting and CCTV coverage wherever you lock your bike, and ideally lock it in an area with high footfall. There is more advice on this in our guide to locking your bike.

Mark says: "The best cycle storage is the proper secure access-only cycle storage, and those sorts of places are growing in popularity." You can find these most commonly in city centres.

Attaching GPS trackers to your bicycle is a good idea, too. You can follow your bike using an app on your phone and tell the police where you believe it's been taken.

Mark also advises people not to be complacent when at home: "Follow good lock practice at home, so double lock your bike to something solid and secure in your garage, shed or outhouse."

Mark tells me that burglaries are quite common - your bike isn't necessarily targeted, but they're often looking for high-value items and if your bike isn't locked up properly it makes for easy pickings.

What do thieves look for?

Mark explained what thieves typically look for when they're on the hunt: "It comes down to the value. Thieves will scan the cycle stands and ask themselves 'Which one am I going to make some money out of?' And then 'Which one is going to be the easiest to steal?'"

One of the things Mark advises you to think is 'What makes my bike harder to steal?' If you can dissuade the thief by increasing the risk of the theft, that's ideal.

"A cycle thief wants low risk, high value. They don't want to get caught, but they want to make as much money as possible, so if you can increase the risk of them getting caught by double locking your bike in a busy, well-lit area covered by CCTV, they'll start to think twice."

It's important to double lock your bike with the very best locks you can afford and to avoid cable locks where possible as they can be easily cut through. Right now, the BTP are running a double lock campaign and Mark has seen first hand how this can prevent cycle thefts. "I was walking through Cardiff city centre recently on my day off and I ended up chasing this guy who was trying to steal a bike.

"The owner had locked the bike to a cycle rack with just a D lock through the top tube and the stand, and this guy was trying to use the bike as leverage to break the D lock itself. So again, it just shows the way using just one D lock could be used to help in actually stealing the bike.

"If the owner had used two D locks, one through each wheel as well as the frame to the cycle stand, you wouldn't be able to move that bike at all. It's important that people understand how best to apply their locks.

"Of course, it's proportional. If you're cycling into a town centre for your days' work and you know you're going to leave your bike locked up all day, double lock it. If you're on a ride and you've stopped at a café, you're probably OK to use a more temporary lock if your bike is in full view."

We've managed to get cycle crime into the Department for Transport's (DfT) cycling and walking strategy so that the DfT invests in options around tackling cycle crime and implementing crime prevention measures

Superintendent Mark Cleland, British Transport Police

Making cycle crime a priority

The BTP does prioritise cycle theft, but reporting is imperative.

"If we don't know about it, we can't do anything about it. We do have competing priorities, But if, say, 100 cycles are stolen at a cycle rack and not one of the owners have reported their bike stolen, as far as we know, there's never been a bike stolen from that location. So why would we look there, when we can focus our efforts on somewhere we know bikes are being stolen because the public are reporting the thefts?

"A good example to use is dog theft. Dog theft is quite an emotive subject, and so when it increased during the coronavirus pandemic, everyone was talking about it and promoting preventative measures.

"People started reporting it so much that it got in front of the Home Secretary. We then committed to a taskforce to tackle it and now all police forces are engaged in tackling dog theft because people were suddenly encouraged to report it.

"Reporting cycle thefts can have this effect, too. More people are reporting it now so we're getting more crime data come in that reaches the government. We've managed to get cycle crime into the Department for Transport's (DfT) cycling and walking strategy so that the DfT invests in options around tackling cycle crime and implementing crime prevention measures."

Research from a couple of years ago indicates that around 3% of cycles are recovered every year on average, but Mark hopes this will rise as more people register their bikes. "If people don't register their bikes, we can't tell if it's stolen. During the pandemic, BikeRegister has seen owners register around a million bikes.

"Bear in mind, though, that 2-3 million bikes are sold every year on average in the UK, so around two-thirds of bikes still aren't registered so can't be returned to the original owner."

"Robberies like the Alexandar Richardson incident in Richmond Park last year are incredibly rare. It makes for a great headline, but it's very uncommon."

The BTP is focusing on Crime Reduction Partnerships. It recently formed one with Next Bike and South Wales Police, along with 30 other partners including Cycling UK, and in Newport alone it saw a 30% drop in cycle crime over around a two-month period. These Crime Reduction Partnerships are popping up all over the country now.

Mark advises: "If anyone is particularly concerned about cycle crime in their community, I would ask them to make some noise locally about setting up a Cycle Crime Reduction Partnership. It's easy to do, and we tend to set them up in areas where we're suddenly picking up there's a bit of a rise in cycle crime, but everywhere we do it, we get reductions.

"The responsibility is also on cyclists. If you feel passionately about this then you can contribute and help us tackle cycle crime. Speak to your local council, your local MP, your local police force and tell them where you want a Cycle Crime Reduction Partnership that will tackle this, and we can form one. We find that in every community there's loads of people who all want to contribute."

Mark's colleague Jordan helped to push out the national campaign for Crime Reduction Partnerships to all police forces across the country: "It's really interesting because usually you'd see a spike in cycle crime in the summer months, but last year it was actually pretty flat, which shows that the campaign had an impact on actually reducing crime over the summer months, which is ideal.

"As a result we had about a 13% reduction in cycle crime over the last 12 months at a time where we've had record numbers of bikes sold in the country."

If you've had your bike stolen and managed to get it back, we'd love to hear your story, get in touch.

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With record sales of bicycles seen in the UK over the course of the coronavirus pandemic, bike theft is still prevalent. Superintendent Mark Cleland at the British Transport Police (BTP) commented: "It's important that people understand how best to apply their locks."

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Gosforth man, 19, has his beloved mountain bike stolen after falling from it and breaking his back

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Gosforth man, 19, has his beloved mountain bike stolen after falling from it and breaking his back

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(Image: Chronicle Live)

A young man had his beloved mountain bike stolen after falling from it and breaking his back.

Jon McClen could have been left paralysed after flying off his bike at Hollywell Dene in Seaton Sluice, Northumberland, on Sunday. The 19-year-old had been performing a jump when the accident happened.

As soon as he landed on the ground, he knew his back was broken. Jon was rushed to hospital where he underwent surgery to have a metal rod and 12 screws inserted into his spine.
Read more: Northumberland mum's heartache as danger driver who caused death of her daughter recalled back to prison
While he was receiving emergency treatment, his bike was stolen from his friend at the scene of the accident.

Jon, from Gosforth, Newcastle, said: "It was my first ride of the day and I just got unlucky. I have been riding my bike for six years doing jumps and I was within the limit of what I can do.

"As soon as I landed, I was screaming, I knew it was highly likely that I had broken my back. The first words I managed to get out were 'I have broken my back'.

"I have been riding bikes for a while and I have heard about different injuries. I knew I needed to stay still or I could have been paralysed.

"The doctor said he's not seen anybody with this kind of break who is not paralysed. I feel very lucky, I think it's come down to the fact that I've managed to stay still."

Jon, who plans to study computer science at Northumbria University, is currently working as a cycle mechanic. He has spent years building his dream bike and has worked hard to buy all of the parts.

Jon had just completed his bike, which is estimated to be worth around £2,500, and was riding it when the accident happened. He left it with a friend, who he was meeting that day, and couldn't believe it when he was told that someone had stolen it.

He said: "Ever since I first got into bikes there were certain parts that I thought were really cool. The bike was finally an accumulation of everything I ever wanted to have. I spent so much time on it.

"I thought it was so crazy that someone would do that. They have taken it from someone on the floor."

Jon's partner Antonia Graham was at the scene when he fell from his bike. The 19-year-old, who is studying for a degree in History at Newcastle University, held his hand until the paramedics arrived.

She said: "He just went flying off on his first jump and crashed to the ground. He stopped dead and just started screaming. Everyone ran up to him. He was saying 'I have broken my back, can you please call an ambulance'."

"There were a group of young lads there who started doing crowd control. They were getting people to get away from him to give him some space. Some of them gave him blankets and hoodies to try to keep him comfortable, they were absolute stars."

Antonia said Jon was given painkillers, put on a scoop and transferred into an ambulance.

He was initially taken to Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Cramlington, Northumberland, to be examined before being transferred to the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in Newcastle.

She said: "At that point he hadn't sat up or moved from the position he'd landed in.

"We left his bike with his friend that he'd met up with that day. He messaged me and said 'I'm so sorry but the bike has been stolen'.

"As soon as I got that message I burst into tears. I didn't know what to do, I felt so awful for him. He's been working non-stop for the last few months saving up money and he's bought some of the parts for his bike.

"It was his dream bike and he'd finally been able to build it."

Jon underwent surgery at the RVI on Tuesday to have the metal rod and screws inserted into his spine. Within just two days, he was able to sit up and walk around the hospital ward.

On Friday, he was discharged from hospital to recover at home. Due to the metal rod in his spine, Jon's movement is currently limited. However he will have the rod removed from his spine in 12 months time.

Antonia, who is from Spennymoor, County Durham, said: "It's been some of the most stressful days of my life, it's been absolutely horrific. I'm just glad that I've been able to be there for him.

"He was told he was so brave for not moving. If he had moved he would have been paralysed. It's very rare that someone goes into the hospital with a case as bad as this and doesn't get paralysed.

"He's so thankful he's able to move really. He said he feels so lucky."

Antonia, who has been in a relationship with Jon for almost two-and-a-half years, has set up an Go Fund Me page in the hope of raising enough enough money to replace his bike.

More than £300 has been donated to the online fundraising page. She added: "He really enjoys mountain biking, it's one of his favourite hobbies. It's devastating that that has been taken away from him.

"I just want, as his partner, for that to be given back to him. I want to be able to buy him a new one.

"I would like to reiterate how grateful I am to everyone that has been involved. It's really nice that the community has come together to help him."

The theft of Jon's bike has been reported to Northumbria Police. A spokesperson for the force said: "At about 8pm on Sunday (June 11) we received a report of a bike theft in Holywell Dene, Seaton Sluice.
Read more:
"Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the 'Tell Us Something' page of our website or by calling 101 quoting log NP-20230611-1109."

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Gosforth man, 19, has beloved bike stolen after falling and breaking his back

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Jon McClen was lucky not to have been left paralysed following the accident in Seaton Sluice, Northumberland

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I started stealing push-bikes when I was 16. Motivation was money, bikes are quick and easy money. There were two of us who stole pedal bikes and high-performance motorbikes.

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I started stealing push-bikes when I was 16. Motivation was money, bikes are quick and easy money. There were two of us who stole pedal bikes and high-performance motorbikes.

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We interviewed a former London bike thief, who revealed a side of bike crime we rarely get a glimpse of... So, you are an ex-bike thief from London? When and why did you begin stealing bikes?
I started stealing push-bikes when I was 16. Motivation was money, bikes are quick and easy money. There were two of us who stole pedal bikes and high-performance motorbikes.
Did you target specific types of bicycles and locations in London? What was the thought process?
High-value bikes were the main targets like Carrera racers, no-logo fixie bikes, Boardman racers and Ridgeback bikes. These were the popular quick sale bikes that were called golds (because of the payback to time value of them).

Bike locations, there is a thing what we would call London rings or hotspots, where bike security seemed to be less of a problem. The more central you got the worse the locks, where people let their guard down more. Going out of London, locks would get better and locations fewer, so the time and effort put in would not be worth it. Borough of Islington, Hackney, West End and the central mile were our hunting grounds. The more CCTV and people the better. People are like sheep, they feel safe and pay less attention when they're together.

At first it was a hit and miss game. Grab the bike and go kind of thing, but as time moved on and we worked out there was money to be made, we stepped up our approach. For example, if it wouldn't sell for more than £200, it wouldn't be taken.
How did you steal the bikes? What tools and techniques did you use?
At first it was with basic wire cutters and the average bolt cutters you could buy in somewhere like Homebase. As time went on the tools upgraded to a pair of bolt cutters a friend bought in America for us on his holidays. These were 42-inch high toughened, foldable bolt cutters, which would fit into a rucksack and would cut through any D-bar, or any chain.

Don't be fooled by Kryptonite locks, they're not as tough as made out to be. Also D-bars with tubular locks, never use them, they're the most easy to pick with a little tool. It's small and discreet, no noise and it looks like you are just unlocking your bike. With the bolt cutters we would go out on high performance motorbikes, two men on a bike.

The pillion would carry the cutters. When we found a bike the pillion would jump off, snip the chain in seconds. 'Boltys' back in the bag, the driver would take the bag and drive off whilst the pillion, who is now on the push bike, would cycle off. We would do this up to five times a night, every weekend.
How and who did you sell the stolen bikes to?
Main place at first was Gumtree. But the longer you sell, the more people and contacts you would make. At the peak of it we had links all over London - north, south, west and east, Southend-on-Sea, Colchester, Hull and Leicester. The further the bike had to go, the more would be sold in packages. A contact in Southend would pay a lesser price for 10 in one go and would pick up in a van once a month. Bikes were never sold for parts; it's not worth it - too much time and effort.
How quickly could you sell a bike on and how much would you get on average for each bike?
A bike could be sold in a matter of minutes at the peak of it, to one of many known regular contacts. Longest was around a day. Bikes were never kept at home, they were always locked back up on the street. Somewhere, even outside police stations locked up. If the police ever raided your house then no goods would ever be found.
Was stealing and selling bikes full-time for you? How many bikes would you steal each month?
No, I worked as a full time forklift driver, but the money was barely enough to pay bills and rent. You can't live on today's minimum wage.

The prices work out at half the retail value of the bike in the shop. So a £1000 bike would be sold for £500, to a person on Gumtree, or if it was to a regular link then £400. We would work Thursday, Friday and Saturdays as soon as it was dark. Police are extra busy dealing with drunks at these times. We would get on average 10 bikes a weekend.
Did you ever steal to a specific request or demand? Did you watch certain cyclists and bikes for a period before the theft?
No, that makes it long; we would literally go out on the motorbike into central and just pick bikes up anywhere. Front of tube stations, bike racks, metal fences, underground car parks, bike parks, etc.

From the moment you pull up, to the moment the bike is cut and bolt cutters are back on the motorbike would be 10 seconds at the most, so no one really knew what was going on, almost I imagine like you have to question yourself like, did I really just see that?

No one ever confronted us or said - what are you doing?
Were you ever put off stealing certain bikes? Was it due to location or security measures?
CCTV was not a put off. We had helmets on so we couldn't be identified (well, we thought so at least). Location didn't matter, we were young and reckless, and we didn't care about security or people. If it went wrong, just get back on bike and go.
Did the owner of the bike ever cross your mind? Did you feel guilty?
Yes all the time, I'm not going to say I was a cold, heartless guy. The victim crossed my mind a lot, but it's a dog-eat-dog world when I was in that position. I did feel sorry for the victim and how they felt, but money makes you do things you shouldn't be doing.

How can you live in a world and try to teach kids the right way of life when they're surrounded by rich, lawless thugs and poor, normal people who work and stick by the law, but can't afford clothes on their back because of the cost of living. It's like cost of living was and is still going up, but wages are going down? No one can give an answer for that.
Why did you decide to stop stealing bikes? Was it something specific that made you stop?
I got greedy and got caught - money goes to your head eventually. We were chased by police and a helicopter one time after a move went wrong. We were at a set of lights and several cop cars pulled up, we managed to duck and leave the motorbike, but the helicopter was already above.

We were sentenced to 18 months in young offenders at the age of 20. I spent my 21st, Christmas and New Year in jail and I'm not going to lie, that was heart-breaking to not be with family, the kids or even just at home during these times of the year.

I learned that my family is more important than having designer clothes on your back or expensive trainers, or loads of money. It all hit me the minute that judge said them words and I saw my mum, my misses of three years break down in court. My mum was a strong woman and that was the first time I saw her cry out of pure love, she wasn't mad, she wasn't angry, she understood that times were hard.

I let them down and I knew my mum was crying because she felt like she hadn't done a good enough job of raising me. My old man never once stepped foot in court and that's for the same reason of him feeling ashamed. And that is the worst feeling to know that I let the man I look up to down. I felt ashamed.
How would you prevent your own bike becoming stolen? What are your top tips?
Never use a chain, they're too easy to snip. Use a small D-lock on front and back wheels. If your lock can be moved about that means the thief's bolt cutters can get around them, at the right angle they won't. Stiff D-locks are hard to snip because you need the right angle on the cutters to get the force to close them.
What can the police and authorities do, in your opinion, to help cyclists protect their bikes? Who has a responsibility to help?
Police I feel can't really do anything these days, unless they catch you physically cutting a chain. Too many human rights.

Bike serial numbers can be so easily shaved off, filed and painted over. Serial numbers need to somehow be made more tamper proof and a bike register needs to be put in place, a bit like cars I think. Only way I see is to get your bike sprayed with a special smart water device which is invisible and is basically like a DNA code on your bike and can only be seen under UV lights.

Trackers, yes, they were a worry, but that is why we kept them on the street, if they were found the police would simply just take it back. Secure parking is the worst for putting your bike in. So quiet you can spend time in a secure parking lot without causing suspicion.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Just trying to give a little back to society, I took so much; it's the least I can do. I'm sorry to the people whose bikes we took, but times were hard back then and unless you been there yourself, I don't think that you would understand, but I am truly sorry.
Our brief thoughts following this interview.
Some of the interview answers we feel will be a shock to most people, who expect things such as CCTV and crowded places to be a theft deterrent. This makes educational pieces around the lock quality, type and good practice of effectively securing your bike all the more important.

The ex-thief mentions tubular D locks. Whilst companies such as Kryptonite (who have a good reputation) stopped selling these many years ago, it is important for all cyclists to be sure they are not still using an old style lock.

The price the stolen bikes had been sold on was a surprise to us, as usually it is known to be much less. Whilst this particular individual did not watch certain bikes and cyclists before committing the crime, it is common knowledge that some thieves watch certain locations and bikes in advance. Even sometimes stealing the specific bike to order.

The stolen bike supply and demand network that stretches throughout London and beyond is highlighted. Combating this black market is essential in our opinion, in order to remove the simplicity and high financial reward of committing the crime. The important point regarding bike registration is vital for not only the police identifying and recovering stolen bikes, but also in protecting potential buyers who can check the status of the bike online.

This interview has been mentioned in Cycling Weekly, London Evening Standard, The Huffington Post, Metro, London Cyclist, Brixton Blog and many more high profile publications. Stolen Ride is the owner of this interview transcript, but the content can be used if full credit is clearly given to stolenride.co.uk

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An interview with a former London bike thief - Stolen Ride

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We interviewed a former London bike thief, who revealed a side of bike crime we rarely get a glimpse of... So, you are an ex-bike thief from London? When and why did you begin stealing bikes? I started stealing push-bikes when I was 16. Motivation was money, bikes are quick and easy money.

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only half of bikes are ever reported stolen

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only half of bikes are ever reported stolen

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London cycling: Bike thefts a low priority for the Met Police

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London cycling: Bike thefts a low priority for the Met Police

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It will probably come as no surprise to cyclists, but Metropolitan Police data analysed by the criminal defence solicitors Lawtons shows that only 1% of bike thefts lead to any kind of formal sanction or prosecution.

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London cycling: Bike thefts a low priority for the Met Police

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Data shows only 1% of bike thefts in London lead to any kind of formal sanction or prosecution.

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thief story: Sheds were my thing and I could almost always get in. I’d undo the screws, so the best thing you could do would be to use those screws that you can only tighten, you can’t undo. 

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thief story: Sheds were my thing and I could almost always get in. I’d undo the screws, so the best thing you could do would be to use those screws that you can only tighten, you can’t undo. 

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They’re really frustrating.I could pretty much cut any bolt off and I’d look for quality. A quality padlock meant something interesting inside, but if you’re going to have a padlock you should make it a big thick one. I’ve taken the hinges off quite a lot but the other thing was, if all else failed, I’d lie on my back and force the roof off with my feet. They’re only nailed on, then I’d put it back on afterwards

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Bicycles are highly susceptible to theft due to their lightweight and easily disassembled nature, making them convenient for thieves to transport. Their rideability allows for quick getaways, and the low priority given to bike theft by law enforcement means the chances of apprehending thieves are minimal.

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According to data from Bike Register, the most commonly stolen brand of bike in the UK is Specialized (27.6%), and the most common stolen model of bike is the "Specialized Sirrus" (14.3%).

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According to data from Bike Register, the most commonly stolen brand of bike in the UK is Specialized (27.6%), and the most common stolen model of bike is the "Specialized Sirrus" (14.3%).

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There are a lot of bike crime statistics for the UK, many of which are surprising and most of which are pretty depressing. And we're going to get into them all in this article, as well as some original data from our own research.

But before we start, there's one very important point that we need to bear in mind when looking at the numbers:

Bike crime statistics depend on a crime actually being reported to the police. If a bike theft isn't reported to the police, it won't appear in any of the data sets you'll see in the newspapers or websites.

And according to my own survey of over 4000 bike crime victims, 56% of them did not report the crime to the police.

Other surveys have found higher numbers: 71% of UK bike theft victims didn't report the crime to the police, according to stolen-bike.co.uk.

This means that the problem is most likely twice as bad as it appears from the numbers below!

But with that is mind, let's get into the most up to date and surprising UK bike theft statistics I could find in 2023:

How many bikes are stolen each year in the UK?

An average of 77,313 bicycles are reported stolen in the UK every year, according to data from the Office for National Statistics. This number is calculated by working out the mean number of reported bicycle thefts over the last 5 years.

The most recent data shows that 77,148 bike thefts were reported to England and Wales police in 2022/2023.

That means that a bike was stolen every 7 minutes in England & Wales in 2022/23. And don't forget, this is reported cases: the actual number of bike thefts would have been at least double that.

The UK cities with the highest bike thefts include London, and the university towns of Cambridge, York and Oxford.

When it comes to the UK police finding the culprits, the numbers are even more depressing...

What percentage of bike crimes are solved in the UK?

Of the 77,313 reported bike thefts in 2022/23:

90% of the police cases were closed without a suspect being identified

Just 1.7% resulted in someone being charged

No wonder so few bike crime victims bother to report the theft to the police: the chances of the police arresting anyone are so incredibly low.

And the chances of a bike crime victim getting their bike back are also pretty low, according to the statistics. In my survey of over 4000 bike crime victims, just 20% were reunited with their stolen bike.

This is of course influences the public's trust in the police and their belief that the police do anything when a bike theft is reported.

A YouGov survey published towards the end of 2022 found that 77% of UK respondents don't expect the police to properly investigate bicycle theft. This is the highest level of all the 15 crimes they were asked about.

Statistics on how bike crime affects people in the UK

We shouldn't forget that bike crime isn't just about the loss of personal property. It can also affect the mental well-being of the victims.

The most recent data from the Crime Survey for England and Wales on victims of bike crime indicate that 81% were emotionally affected by the theft, 31% feeling "very much" or "quite a lot" affected.

Not surprisingly (considering these numbers) and most depressingly, this causes many victims to rethink their attitude to cycling.

Data from the survey from stolen-bikes.co.uk found that 66% of bike theft victims cycled less and 25% gave up cycling altogether. Which are similar to numbers found in bike theft statistics for the US.

Are there any positive UK bike crime statistics?!

While all these statistics are indeed very depressing, it's worth bearing a couple of other pieces of data in mind:

1. 98% of bicycle owners in the UK were not the victim of bike crime in 2022

2. Bike crime fell by 11.5% in the UK in 2021

Although the drop in bike crime in 2021 is very much a return to normal after a COVID pandemic bike crime spike, there has been a general downward trend in reported bike theft over the last 15 years.

Reasons to be cheerful? Not if you are one of the victims.

My Bike Theft Survey Results for UK

How many times has your bike been stolen?

Key Points

22% of UK cyclists have never had their bike stolen

42% of UK cyclists have had just one bike stolen

78% of UK cyclists have had one or more bike stolen

4% of UK cyclists have had 6 or more bikes stolen!

Analysis

These numbers merely confirm what we already know: bike crime is a huge problem in the UK, with 78% of respondents to this survey reporting that their bikes have been stolen on one or more occasion. And 4% indicating they've suffered 6 or more bikes thefts!

Where was the last bike stolen from?

Key Points

31% of the stolen bikes were taken from the street

24% of the stolen bikes were taken from the owner's work or public authority parking

42% of the stolen bikes were taken from the outside of the owner's property

3% of stolen bikes were taken from the inside of the owners' property!

Analysis

Although 31% of stolen bikes were taken from the street, making it the single most common location for bike crime, 45% of the bikes were stolen from inside or outside the owner's home (this includes sheds, garages, front and back gardens/yards).

This suggests that while we tend to think that our bikes are most at risk of theft when they're in public places, such as the street, they're actually more likely to be stolen while they're stored at home.

This could be because we're less likely to lock our bikes at home. Indeed, while 84% of the bikes stolen on the street were locked, just 63% of those stolen from the owners homes were secured.

Thieves know this and exploit it.

It's also worth noting that with 24% of stolen bikes being taken from work or public authority parking spaces, these organisations should be doing more to protect our bikes (the fact that we are probably less likely to lock our bikes there too doesn't diminish this point).

What was the bike secured with?

Key Points

23% of stolen bikes weren't locked at all

35% of stolen bikes were locked with a cable lock

Analysis

Despite everything that's said by me and others, many people continue to use cable locks to protect their bikes. Which is why 35% of the stolen bikes were "secured" with cable locks: cable locks offer almost zero protection from theft.

However, 23% of stolen bikes weren't secured with any kind of lock! As we have already discussed, many of these bikes will have been inside, or on, the owner's property, where they might have seemed safer.

That folding locks were being used in just 2% of cases is a little surprising. It's more likely to be because they're less common than because they're more secure (generally, they're not). Although, it could be a case of thieves also being less experienced with tackling them.

What security rating did the primary lock have?

Key Points

58% of bike theft victims didn't know the security level of their lock

19% of the bike locks didn't have any recognized security level

Analysis

With 58% of respondents unaware of their locks' security rating and 19% using a lock without a security rating, a total of 77% of the stolen bikes were locked with indeterminable security levels.

And since 35% of the stolen bikes were secured with cable locks, this is hardly surprising: cable locks offer such a low level of protection, they're hardly ever rated by independent security testers such as Sold Secure and ART.

Of course there are low quality, low security d-locks, chains and folding locks too. Which is why the Sold Secure ratings are so important: they make it easy to distinguish the poor locks from the good ones.

How much did you spend on your locks?

Key Points

77% of bike theft victims spent less than £41 on their bike lock

41% of bike theft victims spent less than £20 on their bike lock

Analysis

The old saying that you should spend 10% of the value of your bike on your lock seems very out of date to me. If you follow this advice and have a £200 bike, you would get a £20 lock. And there aren't any decent bike locks available for £20 or less!

However, unfortunately £20 or less is exactly what 41% of our respondents spent on their bike locks.

You can get a decent lock for around £35 if you shop around. But you've got to know what you're looking for. Both OnGuard and Zefal make great value, high security locks for example. You just need to clean and lubricate them regularly to keep them working properly!

But as 2% of respondents who spent over £100 on their lock found out: a super expensive bike lock is no guarantee that your bike won't be stolen. A thief with an angle grinder is going to get through any lock.

There does seem to be a correlation: the more money you spend on your lock, the less likely your bike will be stolen. But don't forget that as locks get more expensive, less people will buy them.

What was the approximate value of the bike?

Key Points

47% of stolen bikes were worth £100 - £400

13% of stolen bikes were worth less than £100

8% of stolen bikes were worth more than £1000

Analysis

These results merely show that bikes in the £100-£400 price range are more common than any other price range. Thieves are generally not usually particularly picky: they will take whatever is easiest to steal.

Did you have a record of the frame number of the bike?

Key Points

67% of bike theft victims didn't have a record of the bike's frame number

Analysis

Most people (67%), still don't know their bike frame number. This is pretty depressing, but entirely predictable.

Unlike car number plates, frame numbers are not easily visible, and bike shops don't tend to inform customers either what the frame number of their new purchase is, or why it's important to keep a record of it.

It's only when their bike is stolen that people think about the frame number, and then only if they report the theft to the police (see below).

Did you report the stolen bike to the police?

Key Points

63% of bike theft victims reported the crime to the police

Analysis

In stark contrast to the US (where the majority of bike thefts were not reported to the police) or even Canada, in the UK, we seem to have more belief in the abilities of the boys in blue to solve bike crime, with 63% reporting a bike theft to the police.

But is this trust well-placed? We will see...

Did you get the stolen bike back?

Key Points

89% of bike theft victims didn't get their stolen bike back

Analysis

Unfortunately, only 11% of stolen bikes were ever returned to their owners. Of course, you're unlikely to get your bike back if you don't report the crime to the police. So we might expect a much higher proportion of returned bikes in cases where the crime was reported to the police.

We might do. But we'd be disappointed...

The chart above shows that in cases where the bike theft was reported to the police, only 11% of the bikes were reunited with their owners, compared to 10% in cases where the theft was not reported!

Which is a pretty damning indictment of the ability of the police to tackle bike crime in the UK. Having said that, many bikes are recovered by the police but are not returned because the original owners didn't know their frame numbers!

How many times have components (wheels, seats, brakes etc) been stolen from your bike?

Key Points

64% of respondents have never had any components stolen from their bikes

Analysis

I was expecting a lot more people to have been the victims of component theft, to be honest. Probably because I've had so many components stolen from my bike over the years! While 26% of respondents have had components stolen from their bikes, they are still a minority.

Which components have been stolen?

Key Points

32% of component theft victims have had wheels stolen

29% of component theft victims have had lights stolen

14% of component theft victims have had seats stolen

Analysis

That wheels, lights and seats make up 75% of all stolen bike components is not surprising, since they are the easiest to get off the bike. Wheels and seats are often attached with quick release levers, which don't require a tool to loosen and remove.

So if a thief wants your wheels or seat (and these are not secured with additional locks), they can just open up the lever, loosen the screw and make off with your stuff. Similarly, lights are usually easy to remove too, as they are not designed to be left on the bike for long periods.

Handlebars, brakes, gears etc. are usually much more difficult to remove, requiring hex keys, or spanners, and a little more fiddling around. Although I've had all of these stolen at different times!

The other components people reported stolen in my survey included:

What was the last stolen component attached / secured with?

Key Points

32% of stolen components were attached to the bike with quick release clamps

3% of stolen components were attached to the bike with security skewers/nuts

Analysis

Although it's tempting to look at this data and conclude that it shows security skewers or nuts (such as Hexlox, Pinhead etc), massively reduce the chance of your components being stolen, we can't make that conclusion.

The main reason that only 3% of stolen components were secured with skewers or nuts is that hardly anyone uses them!

However, anecdotally I can attest that I had innumerable components stolen before I started using security skewers and hex key blockers, and none stolen once I started using them. So I know they work.

It's easier to make a case for using a supplementary cable lock around your wheels or saddle, as their use is quite widespread. 10% less components attached with quick release levers were stolen when also protected with a cable (than not). And 15% less components attached with regular nuts were stolen when protected also with a cable (than not).

I'm not a big fan of these cable myself (because they're fiddly to carry and use, and offer virtually no practical security against a thief with the most basic tools). But it seems they do reduce the rates of theft!

FAQ

How Common is Bike Theft in the UK?

Bike theft is very common in the UK. Between July 2021 and June 2022, 74,421 bike thefts were reported to the police in England and Wales. That's equivalent to one bike being stolen every 7 minutes.

What is the Most Stolen Bike in the UK?

According to data from Bike Register, the most commonly stolen brand of bike in the UK is Specialized (27.6%), and the most common stolen model of bike is the "Specialized Sirrus" (14.3%).

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Bike Theft Statistics in the UK (2023) | The Best Bike Lock

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The most up-to-date bike theft statistics for the United Kingdom. How many bikes were stolen, how many bike crimes were solved and more!

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The most commonly-stolen type of bike is an unlocked one, followed closely by one locked with a cable.

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The most commonly-stolen type of bike is an unlocked one, followed closely by one locked with a cable.

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It really depends on your area and how fancy your bike is, there are plenty of videos of thieves nicking bikes, like this page.

My rule of thumb is:

if it's carbon never leave the bike anywhere you can't see.

If your bike looks at all fancy, never leave it anywhere you can't see.

If it is an average looking bike, make sure you use a D-lock and make sure it is as small as possible, and preferably difficult to get at

Never, ever only rely on a chain or cable type of lock as they are just about useless.

Obviously don't lock your bike to anything that is easy to just cut off, like a tree

Think about it as if you were nicking a bike, if you have any kind of moderate sized pair of bolt cutters it would take you seconds to get a chain or cable off. These days stuff like battery operated angle grinders are so common, it would take you less that 1 minute to get pretty much any kind of lock off(including D locks). Scary, but true. Thieves have also been known to use small hydraulic jacks as well, will break a D lock in literally seconds.

While I was living in London, which is well know for bikes disappearing, I would never actually leave the bike on the street as it was almost guaranteed to go missing. If you are in this kind of area buy a folding bike like a Brompton and just don't risk it! You can fold it and leave it in your house or under your desk at work, you can also take it on public transport everywhere I have been.

If you are going to run the risk, make sure that your all your wheels are locked through the rims (not just in the spokes) for both front and back wheels, especially if you use quickrelease wheels (In London my boss lost a rear wheel because of this)

I have personally lost a AU$1,000 bike and I swore it would never happen again.

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Do certain makes/models/types of bikes get stolen more than others?

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I was reading this article on the most commonly stolen cars, and having my bike stolen recently, I got to thinking: do certain makes/models/types of bikes get stolen more than others? My bike was a...

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Protect your bike from theft: - The Police

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Protect your bike from theft: - The Police

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thief story: Go out in the dark, stay out of sight, I’d go nowhere that was covered by CCTV. I’d know pretty much where all the cameras were. I got caught by CCTV once at a school, but that was stupid and I didn’t make the mistake again

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thief story: Go out in the dark, stay out of sight, I’d go nowhere that was covered by CCTV. I’d know pretty much where all the cameras were. I got caught by CCTV once at a school, but that was stupid and I didn’t make the mistake again

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Most cycle thefts occur near or in people’s homes, but thieves also target transport hubs and university campuses

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Most cycle thefts occur near or in people’s homes, but thieves also target transport hubs and university campuses

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or many people a bicycle is the only transport they can afford and the only exercise they get. These people are often among society's most vulnerable, and the impact of the loss of their bike can be devastating. So why is cycle theft so often seen as a minor crime?

According to the police, 96,210 bikes were stolen in 2018, and about one in 50 bicycle-owning households are victims of cycle theft each year, but it's a crime disproportionately visited on the young and the poor.

According to the ONS, victims are most likely to be aged 16-35, earn less than £10,000 per year, and to live in urban areas, particularly places of "high incivility" and in flats or maisonettes.

The police have a way to go to tackle the issue. According to a survey for Bike Register, 50% of victims felt police didn't investigate the crime, while those engaged in cycle theft see it as low risk in terms of being caught. Police recover just 3% of stolen bikes.

The problem is almost certainly much greater, as UCL research found that the police were typically only informed of one in every five cycle thefts. People often don't report it thinking there's nothing the police can do, so the full scale of the problem remains hidden.

The national police lead on cycle theft, Supt Mark Cleland, says he and his colleagues are about to launch a national cycle crime strategy after identifying cycle theft hotspots and priorities across England and Wales. The London-based cycle crime unit is being disbanded, and training will be given to 23 officers in regional cycle crime taskforces.

"We are working hard to stem the rise of violent crime, and to strike the right balance between what's causing that harm and risk, but also what impacts on commuters and other victims of crime," Cleland says.

"That doesn't mean our focus on cycle crime has stopped. Instead of having that central expertise in London, it means there's more skills to tackle the problem locally."

Cycle crime hotspots were identified as Cambridge, Oxford, Southampton, Portsmouth, Hull, Central London, Bristol, Bournemouth, Leicester, Middlesbrough and Reading. Most cycle thefts occur near or in people's homes, but thieves also target transport hubs and university campuses.

Those who can afford a second bike might have a "beater", a cheap bike they leave in risky areas and can afford to lose - but for those who earn less than £10,000 a year, and live in a small flat, that's less likely to be an option.

The police say they will will continue with enforcement, along with more granular prevention strategies like improving safety at bike racks, education on safe locking techniques, and registering more bike frame serial numbers with retailers, to get more recovered bikes back to their owners.

"It's not just about policing," Cleland says. "It's about how we problem solve. That means working with people like Bike Register and train operating companies to design theft out."

Police will also work with websites like Gumtree and eBay, where more than half of stolen bikes are sold.

Cleland points out there is no legislation around the sale of secondhand bikes, meaning they can easily be disposed of, either whole or stripped for parts. It doesn't help that most bike serial numbers are never registered, making it hard for police to return recovered bikes.

Cycling UK discovered a case where a man tracked down his stolen bike and police confirmed it was his and convicted the thief. However, he was told as the final purchaser had bought it in good faith, he would have to go through civil courts to claim it back.

Cycling UK's Sam Jones said: "If this had been a car, a diamond ring or high-value item of jewellery would this have happened? I think not - but because it's a bike, hands are washed, and the victim is left adrift from justice.

"With behaviour like this, it's no wonder many people don't bother contacting the police when their bike is stolen, and consequently give up cycling."

Cycle theft can have a severe impact on people's lives, and if a bike is stolen there is about a 20% chance the victim will not replace it, losing their transport, exercise, and potentially access to local communities and services.Cleland insists the police do care. "We have some really good results for cycle thieves, we arrest a lot of people. We don't ignore it. It is a crime, and if there's an opportunity to arrest someone, we will."

"There's an organised element," he adds. "People steal bikes to get money or to go and commit crimes, people steal bikes to sell to buy drugs."

The former London unit tackled 6,780 cycle theft cases from 1 April to February 2019, and it saw a 2% drop in theft compared with a 2% rise nationally. Now they are being disbanded, perhaps they can replicate this success elsewhere.

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Bike theft affects the young and poor most - why is it not taken seriously?

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National cycle crime strategy set to launch after survey finds 50% of victims feel police don't take the offence seriously

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90% of the police cases were closed without a suspect being identified. Just 1.7% resulted in someone being charged

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90% of the police cases were closed without a suspect being identified. Just 1.7% resulted in someone being charged

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Stolen bikes are sold on so quickly because many are stolen to order. More than three quarters (78 per cent) of those surveyed admitted to stealing a bike to order.

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Stolen bikes are sold on so quickly because many are stolen to order. More than three quarters (78 per cent) of those surveyed admitted to stealing a bike to order.

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Over two-thirds (67 per cent) of stolen bikes are sold on within just a few hours of them being taken. That's according to our new study into bike thefts.

We teamed up with Unlock, a specialist charity for people with criminal convictions, to survey people convicted of bike theft. Through this, we were able to find out how bikes are stolen and which deterrents are most effective.

The figures behind bike thefts

Stolen bikes are sold on so quickly because many are stolen to order. More than three quarters (78 per cent) of those surveyed admitted to stealing a bike to order.

CCTV was the biggest deterrent against bike theft, with 44% of respondents saying it put them off stealing a bike. This was followed by the use of multiple locks.

However, don't think your bike will be safe at home. More than half (54%) of all bike thefts were from the home, according to data from the Office of National Statistics.

What's more, an incredible 317,000 bikes are stolen every year in the UK, according to data from national cycle BikeRegister.

Our advice

John Woosey, managing director of Cycleplan, said: "The results of our survey highlight the need for bike owners to be vigilant and take the necessary precautions to protect their bikes at all times.

"If they're out and about, bike owners must always lock their bike when it's out of sight. Under the terms of our insurance they must use either a Sold Secure rated lock or Thatcham approved lock.

"I can't stress enough the importance of buying the best lock and following the insurance guidelines on how and where to lock your bike. Otherwise, insurers will be unlikely to approve your claim if your bike is stolen."

The inside story of bike thefts

So, why do people steal bikes? We spoke to former bike thief Tom* to get his perspective. Tom used to spend his weekends breaking into properties to steal bikes, among other items.

Here's what he had to say: "I used to steal with the sole intention of making money to buy drugs. There wasn't a lot that would put me off. Normally, once you had stolen the bike, you rang a contact who'd come and pick it up.

"I usually sold it in person to a friend, but sometimes I'd sell it on Gumtree or eBay. Bikes are normally stripped down and rebuilt or sprayed within a few hours. I'd expect that even if you walked past your own bike, you wouldn't recognise it.

"If it was a really nice bike with a great bike lock, I'd just come back later with an angle grinder. The problem is, if someone really wants to steal something, they'll find a way. If you're insured then great, you're sorted. If you're not, then that's that."

"I feel bad about what I did. Most people do. Problem is, when you need drugs, everything else comes second."

Our top tips for protecting your bike from theft

If your bike is stored in a garage, lock it to an immovable object within the garage, shed or container, such as a ground anchor.

If you live in a flat, your bike must be locked to an immovable object such as a bike rack.

When you're out, the lock you use must be secured through your bike frame and any quick release wheels - avoid securing the bike through the wheel.

The lock you use must also be either a Sold Secure rated lock, or Thatcham approved lock.

For more tips, check out our Lock It or Lose It campaign.

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The Shocking Truth Behind Bike Thefts In The UK

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Over two-thirds (67 per cent) of stolen bikes are sold on within just a few hours of them being taken. That's according to our new study into bike thefts. We teamed up with Unlock, a specialist

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According to the ONS, victims are most likely to be aged 16-35, earn less than £10,000 per year, and to live in urban areas

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According to the ONS, victims are most likely to be aged 16-35, earn less than £10,000 per year, and to live in urban areas

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or many people a bicycle is the only transport they can afford and the only exercise they get. These people are often among society's most vulnerable, and the impact of the loss of their bike can be devastating. So why is cycle theft so often seen as a minor crime?

According to the police, 96,210 bikes were stolen in 2018, and about one in 50 bicycle-owning households are victims of cycle theft each year, but it's a crime disproportionately visited on the young and the poor.

According to the ONS, victims are most likely to be aged 16-35, earn less than £10,000 per year, and to live in urban areas, particularly places of "high incivility" and in flats or maisonettes.

The police have a way to go to tackle the issue. According to a survey for Bike Register, 50% of victims felt police didn't investigate the crime, while those engaged in cycle theft see it as low risk in terms of being caught. Police recover just 3% of stolen bikes.

The problem is almost certainly much greater, as UCL research found that the police were typically only informed of one in every five cycle thefts. People often don't report it thinking there's nothing the police can do, so the full scale of the problem remains hidden.

The national police lead on cycle theft, Supt Mark Cleland, says he and his colleagues are about to launch a national cycle crime strategy after identifying cycle theft hotspots and priorities across England and Wales. The London-based cycle crime unit is being disbanded, and training will be given to 23 officers in regional cycle crime taskforces.

"We are working hard to stem the rise of violent crime, and to strike the right balance between what's causing that harm and risk, but also what impacts on commuters and other victims of crime," Cleland says.

"That doesn't mean our focus on cycle crime has stopped. Instead of having that central expertise in London, it means there's more skills to tackle the problem locally."

Cycle crime hotspots were identified as Cambridge, Oxford, Southampton, Portsmouth, Hull, Central London, Bristol, Bournemouth, Leicester, Middlesbrough and Reading. Most cycle thefts occur near or in people's homes, but thieves also target transport hubs and university campuses.

Those who can afford a second bike might have a "beater", a cheap bike they leave in risky areas and can afford to lose - but for those who earn less than £10,000 a year, and live in a small flat, that's less likely to be an option.

The police say they will will continue with enforcement, along with more granular prevention strategies like improving safety at bike racks, education on safe locking techniques, and registering more bike frame serial numbers with retailers, to get more recovered bikes back to their owners.

"It's not just about policing," Cleland says. "It's about how we problem solve. That means working with people like Bike Register and train operating companies to design theft out."

Police will also work with websites like Gumtree and eBay, where more than half of stolen bikes are sold.

Cleland points out there is no legislation around the sale of secondhand bikes, meaning they can easily be disposed of, either whole or stripped for parts. It doesn't help that most bike serial numbers are never registered, making it hard for police to return recovered bikes.

Cycling UK discovered a case where a man tracked down his stolen bike and police confirmed it was his and convicted the thief. However, he was told as the final purchaser had bought it in good faith, he would have to go through civil courts to claim it back.

Cycling UK's Sam Jones said: "If this had been a car, a diamond ring or high-value item of jewellery would this have happened? I think not - but because it's a bike, hands are washed, and the victim is left adrift from justice.

"With behaviour like this, it's no wonder many people don't bother contacting the police when their bike is stolen, and consequently give up cycling."

Cycle theft can have a severe impact on people's lives, and if a bike is stolen there is about a 20% chance the victim will not replace it, losing their transport, exercise, and potentially access to local communities and services.Cleland insists the police do care. "We have some really good results for cycle thieves, we arrest a lot of people. We don't ignore it. It is a crime, and if there's an opportunity to arrest someone, we will."

"There's an organised element," he adds. "People steal bikes to get money or to go and commit crimes, people steal bikes to sell to buy drugs."

The former London unit tackled 6,780 cycle theft cases from 1 April to February 2019, and it saw a 2% drop in theft compared with a 2% rise nationally. Now they are being disbanded, perhaps they can replicate this success elsewhere.

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Bike theft affects the young and poor most - why is it not taken seriously?

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National cycle crime strategy set to launch after survey finds 50% of victims feel police don't take the offence seriously

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71% of UK bike theft victims didn’t report the crime to the police, according to stolen-bike.co.uk.

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71% of UK bike theft victims didn’t report the crime to the police, according to stolen-bike.co.uk.

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London bike theft ‘effectively decriminalised’ as over 90% of cases left unsolved

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London bike theft ‘effectively decriminalised’ as over 90% of cases left unsolved

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High-end road bikes are often the most popular target for thieves due to their high value and lightweight design. These bikes are often used for racing or long-distance rides, making them an attractive target for thieves who can easily sell them for a high price

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High-end road bikes are often the most popular target for thieves due to their high value and lightweight design. These bikes are often used for racing or long-distance rides, making them an attractive target for thieves who can easily sell them for a high price

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All types of bikes get stolen

Bike theft is a common problem in many cities around the world, with millions of bikes being stolen every year. While any bike can be a target for theft, some types of bikes are more likely to be stolen than others. Understanding which bikes are most often targeted by thieves can help riders make informed decisions about their bike security and minimize the risk of theft.

‍ High-end road bikes

High-end road bikes are often the most popular target for thieves due to their high value and lightweight design. These bikes are often used for racing or long-distance rides, making them an attractive target for thieves who can easily sell them for a high price.
Mountain bikes
Mountain bikes are also popular targets for theft due to their versatility and rugged design. They are often used for off-road riding and can be easily modified for different riding styles, making them an attractive target for thieves.
E-bikes
The growing popularity of e-bikes has led to an increase in the number of e-bikes stolen. E-bikes are often more expensive than traditional bikes, making them an attractive target for thieves. Additionally, their electric components make them more difficult to secure and more tempting for thieves to steal.
Hybrid bikes
Hybrid bikes are a mix of road and mountain bikes and are popular due to their versatility and ease of use. They are often used for commuting and leisure riding, making them an attractive target for thieves who can easily sell them for a high price.
Folding bikes
Folding bikes are popular due to their convenience and portability. They are often used for commuting and can be easily stored in small spaces, making them an attractive target for thieves who can easily sell them for a high price.

While any bike can be a target for theft, some types of bikes are more likely to be stolen than others. High-end road bikes, mountain bikes, e-bikes, hybrid bikes, and folding bikes are among the most popular targets for thieves. By understanding which bikes are most often targeted by thieves, riders can make informed decisions about their bike security and minimize the risk of theft.

‍

Bike theft at home and storage areas

Studies have shown that indoor storage areas, such as bike sheds and garages, are often vulnerable to theft due to a lack of security measures. In many cases, these storage areas are easily accessible to thieves and may not have proper locks or alarms to deter them.

Similarly, bikes stored in homes can also be at risk of theft, especially if the bikes are kept in easily accessible areas such as a porch or unlocked garage. In these cases, it's important to take steps to secure the bike, such as using a high-quality lock, storing the bike in a locked room or closet, and being mindful of who has access to the home.
While these are the most common areas where bike theft occurs, it is important to note that bike theft can happen anywhere. Cyclists need to be proactive in securing their bikes, regardless of where they are located.
If you want to know more about protecting your bike and get some more insights into bike thieves methods and factors influencing bike theft, check out other articles:

‍
Read more about the topic : My Bicycle Got Stolen. What Should I Do? The Problem of Bike Theft in Europe and the USA and Ways to Improve the Situation Bike Theft and The Best Ways to Protect Your Bike from It Bike Thieves and Most Common Bike Theft Areas Choosing the Best Bicycle Tracker and Alarm What Is a Proper Bike Lock?
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Flare blog | What Types of Bikes get Stolen Most Often

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While any bike can be a target for theft, some types of bikes are more likely to be stolen than others. Understanding which bikes are most often targeted by thieves can help riders make informed decisions about their bike security and minimize the risk of theft.

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When polled the most common emotion felt was annoyance

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When polled the most common emotion felt was annoyance

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Nature of crime: bicycle theft - Office for National Statistics

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Annual data from the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW). Data include when incidents happened, where it took place, the victim's perception of the incident, and the cost of items stolen.

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The most common method to steal bikes is using cable cutters as the locks are generally made of thin easily cuttable metal.

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The most common method to steal bikes is using cable cutters as the locks are generally made of thin easily cuttable metal.

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Number of 'theft or unauthorized taking of a pedal cycle' offences in England and Wales from 2002/03 to 2022/23

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Number of 'theft or unauthorized taking of a pedal cycle' offences in England and Wales from 2002/03 to 2022/23

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The number of bicycle thefts in England and Wales was 77,148 in 2022/23 compared with 77,479 in the previous reporting year. Bicycle thefts in England and Wales peaked at 115,902 in 2011/12 during the provided time period.

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Bicycle theft England and Wales 2023 | Statista

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The number of bicycle thefts in England and Wales was 77,148 in 2022/23 compared with 77,479 in the previous reporting year.

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Many victims also have their bike stolen more than once.

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Many victims also have their bike stolen more than once.

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Idiots

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Bike theft is not random. Like most crime types, bicycle theft is found to concentrate on certain people and in certain places. Common locations where bicycle thefts occur include in or around the home ( Loder and Bayly Ltd. 1986; Mercat and Heran, 2003; Nicholas et al. 2005; Zhang, Messner, and Liu, 2007) and at university campuses and railway stations ( Replogle, 1984; Challinger, 1986).

Recent increases in the popularity of cycling as a means of transport are a likely explanation of large numbers of bicycles being reported stolen from on-street locations. In this regard, results from the British Crime Survey(BCS 2004/05) found that 18% of bike thefts in England and Wales occurred from on-street locations. Similarly in France, interviews with cycle theft victims found that the majority of cycles are stolen from on-street locations ( Mercat & Heran, 2003). Certain places were victimized more often than others.

Bike theft 'hot spots' in terms of the number of thefts per 1000 resident population:

In London
Outside London

Certain people are also victimized more than others. The U.S. Department of Justice(2000) found that those aged 12-17 were 4.2 times more likely than adults to have their bicycles stolen. Students in university towns such as Oxford and Cambridge - as shown above - are also common victims, with peak bike theft levels typically coinciding with the start of university term ( Hird & Ruparel, 2007). Men are generally found to use bikes five times as much as women, and in terms of the population at risk, it is possible that males are more likely to be victimised than females.

Many victims also have their bike stolen more than once. For example, a victimization survey in Holland found that across a range of crimes, victimization rates were highest for bicycle theft and prior victimization was associated with the increased likelihood of further incidents of bicycle theft ( Wittebrood and Nieuwbeerta, 2000). In Melbourne, Australia, it was likewise found that just 30 percent of bike theft victims accounted for 60 percent of the bicycle thefts reported ( Johnson et al. 2008).

The risk of bike theft is also found to spread in time and space and thus possess a contagion-like quality. For example, just like patterns observed for burglary and vehicle crime, further incidents of bike theft were found by Johnson, Sidebottom and Thorpe (2008) to be more likely to occur close by a previous bike theft incident and up to a distance of about 450 yards for a period of around three to five weeks.

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About Bike Theft / The Problem / Who Are The Victims

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Bike theft is not random. Like most crime types, bicycle theft is found to concentrate on certain people and in certain places. Common locations where bicycle thefts occur include in or around the home ( Loder and Bayly Ltd. 1986; Mercat and Heran, 2003; Nicholas et al.

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Bike thefts at train stations up 39% in 2022, according to research

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Bike thefts at train stations up 39% in 2022, according to research

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A total of 6,956 bicycles were reported stolen from UK railway stations in 2022, a 39% increase from the 4,999 stolen in 2021 and the equivalent of 19 per day, according to new Freedom of Information research from Direct Line Home Insurance.

From January 2021 to May 2023, there have been more than 14,000 reports of items stolen at train stations and London's underground stations.

Ten train stations outside of London reported the greatest number of thefts, with St Albans City (260), Cambridge North (217) and Woking (182) making the top three of that list.

In reality the number of bicycle thefts is likely to be much higher as 36% of individuals have admitted that they did not report their bike as stolen.

According to Direct Line research, nearly two in five individuals who have owned a bike had it stolen.

Despite the increase in bike thefts from train stations, the number of people charged fell by 8% in 2022, from 260 charges in 2021 to 238 in 2022.

In 2021, 1.2% of the 4,999 bikes were returned. In 2022, 1.5% of bikes were recovered out of the 6,956 reported thefts.

According to Direct Line, Brits spend, on average, £430 on their bikes, bringing the total estimated value of these thefts to nearly £3 million.

Two thirds of bike owners admit that they do not have bike insurance, leaving them vulnerable in the event that their bike is stolen.
Read more: Pirelli adds two new models to its premium inner tube range
Dan Simson, head of Direct Line home insurance, said: "Train stations are a prime target for thieves with high numbers left every day as individuals commute to work or school. Many rely on their bikes for day-to-day transport making it incredibly inconvenient and expensive if their bike is stolen.

"Investing in a strong D lock will help deter thieves and making sure that your home insurance covers personal possessions away from the home will give peace of mind should the worst happen. In the event of a theft, report it to the police as soon as possible."

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Bike thefts at train stations up 39% in 2022, according to research - News - BikeBiz

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A total of 6,956 bicycles were reported stolen from UK railway stations in 2022, a 39% increase from the 4,999 stolen in 2021 and the equivalent of 19 per - BikeBiz

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Wheels, saddles, and accessories are the most commonly snagged items, but ultimately no part of your bicycle is safe, not even your cockpit.

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Wheels, saddles, and accessories are the most commonly snagged items, but ultimately no part of your bicycle is safe, not even your cockpit.

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There's no vehicle more liberating than the bicycle: it's lightweight, mechanically simple, profoundly efficient, and blissfully free from onerous registration and licensing requirements. (Unless you live in one of those places where they're selectively enforced.) Unfortunately, these same attributes are also what make bikes so easy to steal. Just as effortlessly as you throw a leg over your bike, a thief can roll it right out of your life. Thanks to the current bike boom, there are also a lot more bikes to steal, with bike thefts up 24 percent in 2020 over 2019.

Besides "sharing" the road with motor vehicle traffic, thwarting bike thieves is probably the biggest challenge you'll face as a cyclist. (Seating stubborn tubeless tires is a distant third.) Moreover, if you actually use your bike to its maximum potential-for shopping, for transportation, for socializing, for recreation-you'll need to leave it unattended from time to time.

So how do you make sure your steed will still be waiting for you at the hitchin' post when you saunter out of the local watering hole?

Attitude

Obviously securing your bike requires locks, but your mindset is your first line of defense. Thieves prey upon laziness and inattention, and we've all left our bike unattended and unlocked at one time or another. "I'll just be a minute, it'll be fine," we tell ourselves-but a minute is all it takes. Train your mind and cultivate discipline. Any time your bike leaves your sight, no matter how briefly, you should remind yourself that this could be the last time you'll ever see it, and then take every step necessary to decrease the likelihood of that scenario.

Also, if at all possible, you should own a dedicated "lock-up" bike in addition to your pride and joy(s)-a serviceable yet non-precious sacrificial lamb you won't be devastated to lose. Save your "good" bike for those days when you know it will be under you or beside you at all times. Bike theft can be soul-crushing, but they can't crush your soul if it wasn't invested in the bike in the first place. Forget all that n-plus-one stuff-the ideal number of bikes to own is n plus whogivesashit.

Hardware

When it comes to spending money on bike parts, some consumers are understandably skeptical: many components are governed by the law of diminishing returns, which is why the only practical difference between Shimano Dura Ace and 105 is several paychecks and the weight of a few loogies. However, when you're talking about locks, the "bang for your buck" scale is far more linear. And an expensive well-engineered lock is indeed vastly more secure than its flimsy and inexpensive department store counterpart.

When shopping for a lock, don't even look at the price tag-get the toughest lock you can reasonably carry (your bike, after all, is likely worth a lot more than the lock). Heavy-duty chain locks like the New York Legend from Kryptonite are not only strongest, but have the extra length that allow you to secure your bike to a wider variety of stuff, and may even allow you to secure a wheel or two as well. However, unless you ride a cargo bike, a chain lock may be too much to schlep on a regular basis. In this case, a well-engineered U-lock like Kryptonite's Evolution or New York (supplemented by auxiliary locks, see below) is a good alternative. Folding locks like those from Abus's Bordo series also provide good security while giving you a little more size to work with than a U-lock.

Cable locks are fairly useless on their own in all but the lowest-risk areas, though they do make decent secondary devices for securing wheels to frames, as well as adding an extra layer of inconvenience for thieves when used in conjunction with something more robust. Using a U-lock without an auxiliary cable lock is like going commando. Using a cable lock by itself is like walking around in your underwear. When locking up in high-theft areas like Manhattan, I've had good results securing my very non-precious sacrificial singlespeed with an Evolution U-lock and a braided steel cable. Shop from reputable lock companies like Kryptonite and Abus, and skip the nifty Bluetooth lock you saw on Kickstarter. If you're fortunate enough to have a good local bike shop, ask for their recommendation, as they've often got the best perspective of what's going on in the streets.

Technique

Even the best lock is only as strong as whatever you attach it to, and there's no point using the New York Fahgeddaboudit/You Talkin' To Me?/I'm Walking Here! lock if you're gonna go ahead and affix it to a chainlink fence that can be cut in seconds with a pair of tin snips. Material strength isn't the only concern, either. Locking your bike is a logic puzzle, and while some common objects may seem like immutable parts of the streetscape, they may be easily undone in a way that is not immediately apparent. Example: I once locked my bike to the leg of a mailbox, which the thief then unbolted from the sidewalk. Bye-bye, Cannondale.

Inspect what you're locking to. Grab it. Shake it. Is it loose in the ground? Is it a closed loop, or is there some way a thief might be able to get your bike off of it without cutting your lock, like taking a key off a keyring? If you're using a chain, wrap it tight to take up the slack so the thief has as little as possible to work with. If you're using a U-lock, try to position it so there's no room for the thief to insert a prybar. Always lock your bike by its frame, not by your wheel or your seatpost or some other easily removable part of your bike.

Most importantly, take your time. It's surprisingly easy to miss your frame when U-locking your bike to a signpost at an odd angle. Before you walk away, study your lockup job and look for any mistakes. Remember reading Wacky Wednesday as a child? (Or to your child?) Apply the same degree of attention to locking your bike.

Pilfer-Proofing

Some thieves are general practitioners and steal the whole bike, while others specialize in removing components. Wheels, saddles, and accessories are the most commonly snagged items, but ultimately no part of your bicycle is safe, not even your cockpit. (Yes, I have had my cockpit stolen.)

Of all your bike's parts, the wheels are the big-ticket item. "Quick-release" axles are exactly what they sound like, so if your bike has them don't leave it for any length of time without either locking both wheels to your frame, or else replacing the skewers with something keyed or otherwise theft-proof, like these wheel locks from Pinhead. Add some theft-proof bolts to your seatpost clamp and stem while you're at it. All it takes to nab that Brooks saddle or that Thomson seatpost are a few twists of an Allen wrench. As for your cockpit, if you're running a fancy stem, carbon bar, and high-end shifters, that's as tempting to a pro bike thief as a 12-point rack is to a buck hunter-and taking that trophy is a small matter of undoing a few hex bolts and cutting a few shifter and brake cables.

And of course take any blinkies, saddle bags, Bluetooth speakers, or genitalia-themed novelty lighting with you when you leave the bike. (Better yet, avoid the genitalia-themed novelty lighting in the first place.)

Route Choice

Most bike thieves prefer to work unseen, but bikejackings can and do happen. (Delivery workers on e-bikes are especially vulnerable.) If you live and ride in an area where thieves target bicyclists, plan your route accordingly, particularly at night. While bike paths and greenways offer safety from motor vehicles, their secluded and separated nature can also leave you vulnerable to assailants as you're unable to quickly change your route. Stick to roads where you can quickly change course in the event of a roadblock, or where there's enough activity to discourage such brazen thieves in the first place.

Demand Better Bike Parking

While bike theft has traditionally been a "you're on your own"-type problem, there is policy you can support that can make things better for everyone. Bike lanes are just one aspect of bike infrastructure. Tell your city to provide riders with more bike parking (New York City will install 10,000 new bike racks in the next year) and to support next-generation parking solutions. The more secure parking options you have, the less likely it is that you'll have to improvise and potentially lose your bike in the process. In the meantime, browse some Dutch bicycle parking porn to see what's possible.

Or, you know, just get a folding bike and take it inside with you. Problem solved.

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Just as effortlessly as you throw a leg over your bike, a thief can roll it right out of your life. Thanks to the current bike boom, bike thefts are up 24 percent in 2020 over 2019.

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Penny farthing bike stolen - 9th January 2014

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Penny farthing bike stolen - 9th January 2014

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A penny farthing bike was stolen in Honiton.

The Ammaco bike was taken overnight on December 25 and 26 from a rear yard at the top end of Queen Street.

It has chrome handlebars with a scratch on them and a fixed chrome bell and brown saddle.

Anyone with information is urged to call police in Honiton on 101 and quote crime reference KH/13/1026. Alternatively, visit Honiton Police Station.

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Top 10 areas for bike thefts per person:1.      City of London2.      Cambridge3.      Oxford4.      Newport5.      Chichester6.      Warwick7.      Hackney8.      Hammersmith and Fulham9.      Camden10.    Westminster

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Top 10 areas for bike thefts per person:1.      City of London2.      Cambridge3.      Oxford4.      Newport5.      Chichester6.      Warwick7.      Hackney8.      Hammersmith and Fulham9.      Camden10.    Westminster

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With an increase of bike users in the UK in 2020-21, bicycle theft is becoming a more and more pertinent problem. Bike thieves are more brazen than ever and the risk of falling foul to one of these criminals is rising due to the lack of policing in this area.

In fact, a report by the Telegraph in 2020 cited Home Office data showing that only 1 in 50 bike theft cases are being solved. They claimed that seemingly easy cases are being brushed under the carpet too, even if there are phone recordings or CCTV footage of the crime.

As a result, countering these criminals is a job that is being left to us, the riders. That certainly doesn't mean trying to be some kind of vigilante, far from it, but we hope to supply you with the tools and knowledge you need to be at less of a risk from cycle theft. This includes knowing where in the UK bike theft is most prevalent and with the help of the most up to date data on the subject, we'll shine a light on these areas, attempting to explain why the rate is so high (or so low) and what you can do to prevent it.

Worst places for bike theft in the UK

So where is the worst place in the UK for cycle theft? The most recent data on the subject was compiled by fellow cycle insurers Yellow Jersey, who worked with the British Transport Police and a year of police data to find the hotspots of bike theft in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The data shows that the City of London is the top area for bike theft in the UK, but this is an anomaly of sorts due to the low level of residents who actually live there versus the 300,000 + people who commute into the area. London districts occupy half of the top ten worst areas which is no real surprise, especially when you take Stolen Ride's London stolen bike map into account.

The other five areas are all university towns with Cambridge and Oxford rounding out the top three. In fact, the study also found that some of the riskiest places to leave your bike in the whole of the UK were in and around the Kingston University Campus and parts of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park - an unfortunate legacy from our great games.
Top 10 areas for bike thefts per person:
1. City of London

2. Cambridge

3. Oxford

4. Newport

5. Chichester

6. Warwick

7. Hackney

8. Hammersmith and Fulham

9. Camden

10. Westminster

If you live in one of these areas and are anxious about being apart from your bike, a good place to start is at our 12 ways to stop your bike getting stolen. Master these steps and stay ahead of the pesky thieves.

Universities

It's clear that there's a huge bike theft rate in university towns, and this is because of the high number of bikes within these cities. Students operate on a tight budget so often use bikes as their primary mode of transport. Unfortunately, this budget rarely extends to the security of the bike itself and the importance of having a good bike lock can be overlooked. You often see the sad, remnants of a bike frame on campus held to an object with a pitiful cable lock.

Our friends at Hiplok conducted research into the top university bike theft hotspots and unsurprisingly their findings, using data from Police.uk, are in line with other similar investigations. Oxford and Cambridge had the highest rate of bike thefts on campus with York, Sheffield and Leeds rounding out the top five.

Of course, not all the thefts would have been students, but Hiplok found that bike thefts increase around the start of term in September, fall during Christmas and then increase again during the spring term. This, plus the fact that the universities in the top five are some of the largest in the country, shows that more students = a higher bike theft rate.

So, if you're a student - or a parent of a student - who is hoping to use a bike as their primary mode of transport, make sure to pack a secure bike lock in between the beer and bed linen before you leave home.

Cycle friendly cities

After all that doom and gloom, let's take a look at some of the safest areas in the UK to be a cyclist, according to statistics. Earlier this year the legal firm True Solicitors LLP compiled their own data to create a series of infographics on the safest cycling cities. The metrics include the cost of public transport, the number of road accidents, cycling rates and of course bicycle theft.

Their statistics found that Lancaster, Exeter, Brighton and Hove and Swansea scored highly on bike theft (which means low levels of bike theft) with Bradford having the lowest rate in the country. In the past year, there was only one theft for every 1,934 people (in Oxford it's one in 81), thanks in part to changing attitudes towards cycling in the city which was visited by the Tour de France in 2014 and has since hosted stages of the Tour de Yorkshire.

Locks

The best place to start in the prevention of bike theft, even in one of those ten most at risk areas, is getting a suitable lock and learning how to secure your bike effectively. Getting the right lock, or combination of locks, can not only make your bike more secure but can also deter would-be thieves. At Pedalsure, we use an Approved Lock List and suggest that you should always aim to get a secure lock/locks that matches the value of your bike.

It is also vital that you learn how to lock your bike securely. The strongest and most economical way of doing it is by using a combination of D-locks and cables to secure your frame and wheels to an immovable object. There are various other top tips you can follow to make it even more difficult for criminals to part you from your bike.

Our guide to locking your bike the right way is a deep dive into this world and has everything you need to know about the types of bike lock, how and where to use them, and our insurance policies. Yes, a heavy-duty lock is quite a hefty up-front cost (especially for a student) but consider: can you afford not to have one?

Insurance

Taking out a cycle specific insurance package from Pedalsure is another way you can ease the stress of bike theft. Our insurance even covers your bike lock with a few stipulations. The bike must be secured to an immovable object and cannot be left in a place other than the insured location for more than 12 hours, unless stated otherwise. Provided you follow these instructions each and every time you lock up your bike, if the worst were to happen, we will cover you against the theft of your bike. Unlike home contents insurance, our policies cover your bike to the maximum whether it's locked out on the street or tucked away at home. No matter the outcome, we have your back.

For more information on our competitive cycle insurance, take a look at the other articles on our website and our policy documents. Wherever you live in the UK, we have your back and can help you in the battle against cycle theft. Start your journey today with our simple 30 second quote process.

Need something to secure your bike? You can now get a diamond-rated Hiplok DX D-lock worth £79.99 for just £30 with any new insurance policy - just one of many ways we protect both you and your bike.

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a guide to the worst places in the uk for bike theft. why there is so much bike theft in university towns and how you can prevent your bike from being stolen.

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The Worst Place In The UK For Bike Theft

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A guide to the worst places in the UK for bike theft. Why there is so much bike theft in university towns and how you can prevent your bike from being stolen.

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When a bikes stolen they are quickly stripped down so they aren't recognisable and sold on.

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When a bikes stolen they are quickly stripped down so they aren't recognisable and sold on.

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5 common bike theft techniques and how to avoid them

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5 common bike theft techniques and how to avoid them

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Bike theft is a common problem that can leave you without your beloved mode of transportation. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your bike from being stolen. In this guide, we'll cover the most common bike theft techniques and provide tips on how to avoid them.

Cable Cutters

One of the most common bike theft techniques is using cable cutters to cut through bike locks. Cable locks are often made of thin, easily cuttable material, making them an easy target for thieves. To avoid this, invest in a high-quality U-lock or chain lock made of hardened steel. These locks are much more difficult to cut through and provide better protection for your bike. Additionally, make sure to lock your bike to a secure, immovable object such as a bike rack or sturdy pole.

Bolt Cutters

Bolt cutters are a standard tool used by bike thieves to cut through bike locks. They are able to cut through cable locks and even some chain locks with ease. To avoid falling victim to this technique, invest in a high-quality U-lock or chain lock made of hardened steel. These locks are much more difficult to cut through and provide better protection for your bike. Additionally, make sure to lock your bike to a secure, immovable object such as a bike rack or sturdy pole.

Lock Picking

Lock picking is another common technique used by bike thieves to steal bikes. They use specialized tools to manipulate the lock and gain access to the bike. To avoid this, invest in a high-quality lock with a complex key or combination. Additionally, make sure to lock your bike in a well-lit, visible area to deter thieves from attempting to pick the lock.

Angle Grinders

Angle grinders are a popular tool used by bike thieves to cut through locks and steal bikes. They are powerful and can easily cut through even the strongest locks. To avoid falling victim to this technique, consider investing in a lock made of hardened steel or titanium. These materials are much more difficult to cut through with an angle grinder. Additionally, try to lock your bike in a busy, well-lit area where thieves are less likely to attempt to use this technique.

Levering

Levering is a common technique bike thieves use to break open U-locks and chain locks. They use a crowbar or similar tool to pry open the lock, often causing damage to the bike in the process. To avoid this, make sure to use a lock that is the appropriate size for your bike and cannot be easily levered open. Additionally, try to lock your bike in a location where it is difficult for thieves to get leverage to pry open the lock.

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5 common bike theft techniques and how to avoid them

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Bike theft is a common problem that can leave you without your beloved mode of transportation. Fortunately, there are steps you can take

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Almost 90% of bike thefts reported in England in 2022 went unsolved

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Almost 90% of bike thefts reported in England in 2022 went unsolved

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Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Olney blamed the government for the number of thefts, saying: "Home Office ministers seem content to let tens of thousands of thefts go unsolved every year.

"These figures show the Conservative government is effectively decriminalising bike theft in our local communities."

The figures, which break down performance by police force, found the Met was the fourth worst behind Sussex, Hampshire and British Transport Police.

Other forces with high rates of unsolved bike thefts include Surrey Police, where only nine out of 1,098 reported cases ended in charges.

A Home Office spokesperson said: "We want offenders charged and brought to justice in the courts, therefore we are working with partners across the criminal justice system to increase the number of cases being charged and prosecuted, and to speed up the process."

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Bike thefts: Almost 90% of cases in England go unsolved

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Less than 2% of 77,201 cases reported in England last year resulted in someone being charged.

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Specialized, Trek and Giant make up almost 60 percent of bikes stolen in the UK

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Specialized, Trek and Giant make up almost 60 percent of bikes stolen in the UK

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The UK cities with the highest bike thefts include London, and the university towns of Cambridge, York and Oxford.

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The UK cities with the highest bike thefts include London, and the university towns of Cambridge, York and Oxford.

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There are a lot of bike crime statistics for the UK, many of which are surprising and most of which are pretty depressing. And we're going to get into them all in this article, as well as some original data from our own research.

But before we start, there's one very important point that we need to bear in mind when looking at the numbers:

Bike crime statistics depend on a crime actually being reported to the police. If a bike theft isn't reported to the police, it won't appear in any of the data sets you'll see in the newspapers or websites.

And according to my own survey of over 4000 bike crime victims, 56% of them did not report the crime to the police.

Other surveys have found higher numbers: 71% of UK bike theft victims didn't report the crime to the police, according to stolen-bike.co.uk.

This means that the problem is most likely twice as bad as it appears from the numbers below!

But with that is mind, let's get into the most up to date and surprising UK bike theft statistics I could find in 2023:

How many bikes are stolen each year in the UK?

An average of 77,313 bicycles are reported stolen in the UK every year, according to data from the Office for National Statistics. This number is calculated by working out the mean number of reported bicycle thefts over the last 5 years.

The most recent data shows that 77,148 bike thefts were reported to England and Wales police in 2022/2023.

That means that a bike was stolen every 7 minutes in England & Wales in 2022/23. And don't forget, this is reported cases: the actual number of bike thefts would have been at least double that.

The UK cities with the highest bike thefts include London, and the university towns of Cambridge, York and Oxford.

When it comes to the UK police finding the culprits, the numbers are even more depressing...

What percentage of bike crimes are solved in the UK?

Of the 77,313 reported bike thefts in 2022/23:

90% of the police cases were closed without a suspect being identified

Just 1.7% resulted in someone being charged

No wonder so few bike crime victims bother to report the theft to the police: the chances of the police arresting anyone are so incredibly low.

And the chances of a bike crime victim getting their bike back are also pretty low, according to the statistics. In my survey of over 4000 bike crime victims, just 20% were reunited with their stolen bike.

This is of course influences the public's trust in the police and their belief that the police do anything when a bike theft is reported.

A YouGov survey published towards the end of 2022 found that 77% of UK respondents don't expect the police to properly investigate bicycle theft. This is the highest level of all the 15 crimes they were asked about.

Statistics on how bike crime affects people in the UK

We shouldn't forget that bike crime isn't just about the loss of personal property. It can also affect the mental well-being of the victims.

The most recent data from the Crime Survey for England and Wales on victims of bike crime indicate that 81% were emotionally affected by the theft, 31% feeling "very much" or "quite a lot" affected.

Not surprisingly (considering these numbers) and most depressingly, this causes many victims to rethink their attitude to cycling.

Data from the survey from stolen-bikes.co.uk found that 66% of bike theft victims cycled less and 25% gave up cycling altogether. Which are similar to numbers found in bike theft statistics for the US.

Are there any positive UK bike crime statistics?!

While all these statistics are indeed very depressing, it's worth bearing a couple of other pieces of data in mind:

1. 98% of bicycle owners in the UK were not the victim of bike crime in 2022

2. Bike crime fell by 11.5% in the UK in 2021

Although the drop in bike crime in 2021 is very much a return to normal after a COVID pandemic bike crime spike, there has been a general downward trend in reported bike theft over the last 15 years.

Reasons to be cheerful? Not if you are one of the victims.

My Bike Theft Survey Results for UK

How many times has your bike been stolen?

Key Points

22% of UK cyclists have never had their bike stolen

42% of UK cyclists have had just one bike stolen

78% of UK cyclists have had one or more bike stolen

4% of UK cyclists have had 6 or more bikes stolen!

Analysis

These numbers merely confirm what we already know: bike crime is a huge problem in the UK, with 78% of respondents to this survey reporting that their bikes have been stolen on one or more occasion. And 4% indicating they've suffered 6 or more bikes thefts!

Where was the last bike stolen from?

Key Points

31% of the stolen bikes were taken from the street

24% of the stolen bikes were taken from the owner's work or public authority parking

42% of the stolen bikes were taken from the outside of the owner's property

3% of stolen bikes were taken from the inside of the owners' property!

Analysis

Although 31% of stolen bikes were taken from the street, making it the single most common location for bike crime, 45% of the bikes were stolen from inside or outside the owner's home (this includes sheds, garages, front and back gardens/yards).

This suggests that while we tend to think that our bikes are most at risk of theft when they're in public places, such as the street, they're actually more likely to be stolen while they're stored at home.

This could be because we're less likely to lock our bikes at home. Indeed, while 84% of the bikes stolen on the street were locked, just 63% of those stolen from the owners homes were secured.

Thieves know this and exploit it.

It's also worth noting that with 24% of stolen bikes being taken from work or public authority parking spaces, these organisations should be doing more to protect our bikes (the fact that we are probably less likely to lock our bikes there too doesn't diminish this point).

What was the bike secured with?

Key Points

23% of stolen bikes weren't locked at all

35% of stolen bikes were locked with a cable lock

Analysis

Despite everything that's said by me and others, many people continue to use cable locks to protect their bikes. Which is why 35% of the stolen bikes were "secured" with cable locks: cable locks offer almost zero protection from theft.

However, 23% of stolen bikes weren't secured with any kind of lock! As we have already discussed, many of these bikes will have been inside, or on, the owner's property, where they might have seemed safer.

That folding locks were being used in just 2% of cases is a little surprising. It's more likely to be because they're less common than because they're more secure (generally, they're not). Although, it could be a case of thieves also being less experienced with tackling them.

What security rating did the primary lock have?

Key Points

58% of bike theft victims didn't know the security level of their lock

19% of the bike locks didn't have any recognized security level

Analysis

With 58% of respondents unaware of their locks' security rating and 19% using a lock without a security rating, a total of 77% of the stolen bikes were locked with indeterminable security levels.

And since 35% of the stolen bikes were secured with cable locks, this is hardly surprising: cable locks offer such a low level of protection, they're hardly ever rated by independent security testers such as Sold Secure and ART.

Of course there are low quality, low security d-locks, chains and folding locks too. Which is why the Sold Secure ratings are so important: they make it easy to distinguish the poor locks from the good ones.

How much did you spend on your locks?

Key Points

77% of bike theft victims spent less than £41 on their bike lock

41% of bike theft victims spent less than £20 on their bike lock

Analysis

The old saying that you should spend 10% of the value of your bike on your lock seems very out of date to me. If you follow this advice and have a £200 bike, you would get a £20 lock. And there aren't any decent bike locks available for £20 or less!

However, unfortunately £20 or less is exactly what 41% of our respondents spent on their bike locks.

You can get a decent lock for around £35 if you shop around. But you've got to know what you're looking for. Both OnGuard and Zefal make great value, high security locks for example. You just need to clean and lubricate them regularly to keep them working properly!

But as 2% of respondents who spent over £100 on their lock found out: a super expensive bike lock is no guarantee that your bike won't be stolen. A thief with an angle grinder is going to get through any lock.

There does seem to be a correlation: the more money you spend on your lock, the less likely your bike will be stolen. But don't forget that as locks get more expensive, less people will buy them.

What was the approximate value of the bike?

Key Points

47% of stolen bikes were worth £100 - £400

13% of stolen bikes were worth less than £100

8% of stolen bikes were worth more than £1000

Analysis

These results merely show that bikes in the £100-£400 price range are more common than any other price range. Thieves are generally not usually particularly picky: they will take whatever is easiest to steal.

Did you have a record of the frame number of the bike?

Key Points

67% of bike theft victims didn't have a record of the bike's frame number

Analysis

Most people (67%), still don't know their bike frame number. This is pretty depressing, but entirely predictable.

Unlike car number plates, frame numbers are not easily visible, and bike shops don't tend to inform customers either what the frame number of their new purchase is, or why it's important to keep a record of it.

It's only when their bike is stolen that people think about the frame number, and then only if they report the theft to the police (see below).

Did you report the stolen bike to the police?

Key Points

63% of bike theft victims reported the crime to the police

Analysis

In stark contrast to the US (where the majority of bike thefts were not reported to the police) or even Canada, in the UK, we seem to have more belief in the abilities of the boys in blue to solve bike crime, with 63% reporting a bike theft to the police.

But is this trust well-placed? We will see...

Did you get the stolen bike back?

Key Points

89% of bike theft victims didn't get their stolen bike back

Analysis

Unfortunately, only 11% of stolen bikes were ever returned to their owners. Of course, you're unlikely to get your bike back if you don't report the crime to the police. So we might expect a much higher proportion of returned bikes in cases where the crime was reported to the police.

We might do. But we'd be disappointed...

The chart above shows that in cases where the bike theft was reported to the police, only 11% of the bikes were reunited with their owners, compared to 10% in cases where the theft was not reported!

Which is a pretty damning indictment of the ability of the police to tackle bike crime in the UK. Having said that, many bikes are recovered by the police but are not returned because the original owners didn't know their frame numbers!

How many times have components (wheels, seats, brakes etc) been stolen from your bike?

Key Points

64% of respondents have never had any components stolen from their bikes

Analysis

I was expecting a lot more people to have been the victims of component theft, to be honest. Probably because I've had so many components stolen from my bike over the years! While 26% of respondents have had components stolen from their bikes, they are still a minority.

Which components have been stolen?

Key Points

32% of component theft victims have had wheels stolen

29% of component theft victims have had lights stolen

14% of component theft victims have had seats stolen

Analysis

That wheels, lights and seats make up 75% of all stolen bike components is not surprising, since they are the easiest to get off the bike. Wheels and seats are often attached with quick release levers, which don't require a tool to loosen and remove.

So if a thief wants your wheels or seat (and these are not secured with additional locks), they can just open up the lever, loosen the screw and make off with your stuff. Similarly, lights are usually easy to remove too, as they are not designed to be left on the bike for long periods.

Handlebars, brakes, gears etc. are usually much more difficult to remove, requiring hex keys, or spanners, and a little more fiddling around. Although I've had all of these stolen at different times!

The other components people reported stolen in my survey included:

What was the last stolen component attached / secured with?

Key Points

32% of stolen components were attached to the bike with quick release clamps

3% of stolen components were attached to the bike with security skewers/nuts

Analysis

Although it's tempting to look at this data and conclude that it shows security skewers or nuts (such as Hexlox, Pinhead etc), massively reduce the chance of your components being stolen, we can't make that conclusion.

The main reason that only 3% of stolen components were secured with skewers or nuts is that hardly anyone uses them!

However, anecdotally I can attest that I had innumerable components stolen before I started using security skewers and hex key blockers, and none stolen once I started using them. So I know they work.

It's easier to make a case for using a supplementary cable lock around your wheels or saddle, as their use is quite widespread. 10% less components attached with quick release levers were stolen when also protected with a cable (than not). And 15% less components attached with regular nuts were stolen when protected also with a cable (than not).

I'm not a big fan of these cable myself (because they're fiddly to carry and use, and offer virtually no practical security against a thief with the most basic tools). But it seems they do reduce the rates of theft!

FAQ

How Common is Bike Theft in the UK?

Bike theft is very common in the UK. Between July 2021 and June 2022, 74,421 bike thefts were reported to the police in England and Wales. That's equivalent to one bike being stolen every 7 minutes.

What is the Most Stolen Bike in the UK?

According to data from Bike Register, the most commonly stolen brand of bike in the UK is Specialized (27.6%), and the most common stolen model of bike is the "Specialized Sirrus" (14.3%).

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Bike Theft Statistics in the UK (2023) | The Best Bike Lock

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The most up-to-date bike theft statistics for the United Kingdom. How many bikes were stolen, how many bike crimes were solved and more!

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“If they nick a customised bike it is very hard to sell,” he said. “It’s like bike 🤬 to cyclists and if they see one they’re all around it, and also cyclists are very active on social media so it’s likely to be spotted.

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“If they nick a customised bike it is very hard to sell,” he said. “It’s like bike 🤬 to cyclists and if they see one they’re all around it, and also cyclists are very active on social media so it’s likely to be spotted.

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Bike thefts mostly occur during the week rather than the weekend

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Bike thefts mostly occur during the week rather than the weekend

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Nature of crime: bicycle theft - Office for National Statistics

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Annual data from the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW). Data include when incidents happened, where it took place, the victim's perception of the incident, and the cost of items stolen.

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An average of 77,313 bicycles are reported stolen in the UK every year

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An average of 77,313 bicycles are reported stolen in the UK every year

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Bike Theft Statistics in the UK (2024) | The Best Bike Lock

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The most up-to-date bike theft statistics for the United Kingdom. How many bikes were stolen, how many bike crimes were solved and more!

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Data from the survey from stolen-bikes.co.uk found that 66% of bike theft victims cycled less and 25% gave up cycling altogether

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Data from the survey from stolen-bikes.co.uk found that 66% of bike theft victims cycled less and 25% gave up cycling altogether