For starters, make sure you lock your bike properly with a high-security lock. A thin cable or a Poundland D-lock will not do!
Abus is a good brand. Watch their video on how NOT to lock your bike.
Read the locally-relevant detail beneath that as well as this guide from Cycling UK.
If your bike has been stolen read this guide about trying to get it back.
Join Bikeregister.com, a site approved by the police, to add details and photos of your bike (including a scan of the receipt). You can also use this site to record a theft and tip off any would-be buyers. Your bike's serial number is most often on the rear stay or bottom bracket. Record brand names on the frame, gears and wheels. List any changes that make the bike unique to you.
Use a high quality D-lock or super-strength chain. Your bike’s value is irrelevant: think of the upset and inconvenience if it is stolen. Sold Secure Diamond or Gold D-locks are best and medium and small sizes give a thief less room to manoeuvre. Pass the D of the lock around the down tube and back wheel through to a cycle stand or tall post. Consider a second lock for the front wheel.
An Apple AirTag will link to your other Apple devices using Find My, meaning you can trace your bike’s location. You can disguise the tag as a reflector or pop it under the saddle. Other brands include Pow Unity and Invoxia. Backpedal.co offers an all-in-one track or replace service for £8.99 a month*. Always alert the police on 101 (or here if in Essex) before you try to recover a bike.
* Ask us for a code!
Park in a secure location that is well-lit , has plenty of passers-by and is, preferably, under CCTV surveillance. Colchester railway station has secure areas north and south that are fenced and gated. Greater Anglia charges a deposit for a key but you get your money back in full when you eventually hand in the fob.
Pay the favour forward: when you pass any cycle park, keep your eye out for anyone up to no good. If you see someone acting suspiciously, get a good description or discreetly video them. Consider carefully whether you want to challenge them. If you are buying a secondhand bike, check to see whether it is stolen on Bikeregister.com
The police will apply stickers that are hard to remove – they are worth getting. There is also a variety of microchip options, including Bike Register, Datatag and Immobitag. Another idea is to paint your postcode under the bottom bracket. All of these methods will inconvenience a thief trying to sell the bike and may help you to get it back.
As many bikes are stolen from home as from outside the house. If you keep your bike in a shed, hang a ladder at the right height on the wall and lock your bike to it — it will cause a thief hassle and cause a noise that may alert you or your neighbours. Crooks don’t like it when you make things hard. for them
Thieves get past even the best security. One campaign member had their audax bike taken from the secure cage at Leisureworld after the thief found an easy way to slip the bolt. The lesson is clear: always, always used a high-quality lock if you want to keep your bike