A bicycle is a valuable asset, yet often stored carelessly. This carelessness and negligence are increasingly exploited by criminals.
Bicycles are stolen either for resale or out of mischief. For a cyclist, losing their two-wheeled companion is an unpleasant and upsetting event, and it's not always about the price.
What to do to reduce the risk of theft:
The only guaranteed way to protect against theft is to never leave your bicycle unattended. Various locks, alarms, and other devices will only be a temporary obstacle for a thief.
If you must leave your bicycle, always secure it with a bicycle lock. Even if you are only stepping away for a minute to pop into a shop.
If possible, leave your bicycle in a location where it remains in your sight while you are inside a building, for example, sitting in a café. The bicycle should still be locked.
Do not entrust the supervision of your bicycle to random or unfamiliar people, such as a vendor from a nearby kiosk.
It is advisable to leave your bicycle within the view of CCTV cameras, if any are available nearby.
When locking your bicycle to a fence, railing, or similar structure, ensure its reliability and stability.
Lock your bicycle by the wheel and frame, and if the cable length allows, by both wheels and the frame.
Do not forget to take with you all easily removable bicycle equipment – bike computer, lights, pump, water bottle.
When leaving your bicycle for a long time, you can also take the saddle with you, as on most modern bicycles it is attached with a quick-release lever.
There is an opinion that a dirty, mud-splattered bicycle significantly loses its appeal in the eyes of thieves.
If you cycle to work, try to arrange with the security service or management about the possibility of leaving your bicycle on the company premises or inside a building in a utility room. If you receive a negative answer, do not be discouraged; use a sturdy steel chain and a padlock to secure your bicycle. And to avoid carrying all this weight, it can be left at your permanent parking spot.
Buy a reliable lock:
The most common type of bThe lock is a cable one. Cheap and thin cables are easily and quickly cut with small bolt cutters, or can even be broken with bare hands. An acceptable thickness for a bicycle lock is 12 mm or more, i.e., approximately finger-thick. Do not be fooled, these locks can also be cut with small bolt cutters, but it will take significantly longer. The locking mechanism itself can be classic or combination. A combination lock, despite its apparent convenience, is very unreliable as it usually contains a 4-5 digit combination, which can be easily guessed within a few minutes.
Chain bicycle locks and U-lock type locks are much more resistant to tampering. Such a lock can only be opened with an angle grinder or huge bolt cutters. However, its resistance to lock picking is on par with ordinary locks.
Bicycle Documents and Distinguishing Features:
Keep the documents you received from the shop when purchasing the bicycle.
Remember that by buying a bicycle without documents, you risk becoming the owner of stolen property.
If you do not have documents for your bicycle for any reason, be sure to write down or photograph the frame's serial number (it is usually stamped on the bottom bracket of the frame). It is also advisable to take a full profile photograph of the bicycle.
Try to remember the distinguishing features of your bicycle – non-original parts, installed accessories, stickers, scratches, and other damage. In case of theft, these measures will significantly help in the search and can be decisive in proving your ownership.
Law Enforcement and Prevention Department of the Lepel District Executive Committee Internal Affairs Department