Preventing Bike Theft

The National Crime Victim Survey (NCVS) used by the U.S. Department of Justice estimated that in 2006, the number of bicycle thefts was more than 1.3 million!  With the popularity of bicycle commuting, the number of theft incidents continues to grow.  In this blog, we will show you how to properly lock your bike and examine exactly which types of locks are best for preventing theft.

First, it’s important to understand how bicycle theft occurs.  Shane Johnson, Aiden Sidebottom, and Adam Thorpe from the Center for Problem-Oriented Policing, provided the following information:

Offenders use a number of techniques to steal bicycles.  The technique they use is often linked to the cyclist’s locking practices (i.e., they type of lock and how they use it).  The common techniques are described below:

Levering—Thieves will use the gap between the stand and the bike left by a loosely fitted lock to insert tools such as jacks or bars to lever the lock apart. Thieves may use the bike frame as a lever by rotating it against the stand or other stationary object to which it is locked. Either the bike or the lock will break.

Striking—If a cyclist locks a bicycle leaving the chain or lock touching the ground, thieves may use a hammer and chisel to split the securing chain or lock.

Unbolting—If a cyclist locks a bike by the wheel alone, then that may be all that is left when the cyclist returns. If a cyclist locks only the frame, then a thief may remove a wheel or wheels.

Cutting—Thieves are known to use tin snips, bolt cutters, hacksaws, and angle grinders to cut their way through locks and chains to steal bicycles.

Picking—For locks requiring keys, thieves can insert tools into the keyhole itself and pick the lock open.

Now that you know how your bike can be stolen, it’s time to explore the advantages and disadvantages of each type of lock:

Type	Advantages	Disadvantages
U-Lock	Arguably the most secure for everyday use Resists hammers, chisels, leveraging, etc. Reduces space that theft can insert crowbar Different sizes allow you to lock one wheel and frame to object or both wheels and frame to fixed object Higher-end manufactures offer bike warranty programs	Needs to be slid into proper place and at the right angle to securely lock; can take more time to lock a bike compared to a cable or chain lock Bulkier of the lock options and can be awkward to get use to at first If you’re purchasing a U-Lock with a keyed release, look for one that comes with a flat key instead of a round or tubular key shape; these are easier to pick
Cable Lock	More versatile and adaptable than most U-Locks Suitable for low crime areas Can secure removable parts like a seat	Best protection offered when used in combination with U-Lock Offers less protection-easier to cut
Chain Lock	Heavy duty and secure enough for high crime areas Resist leveraging, chiseling, and cutting	Need to be paired with an equally strong padlock that cannot be cut Heavy and bulky to ride around with-best used for stationary places like at your home
Wheel and Seat Skewers	Can be used in high crime areas Secures quick release parts with locking screws	Easy to install but require a special wrench Cannot be used alone to lock bike

Now that you know the different lock options (we recommend that you use a U-Lock in combination with a cable lock for extra security),  it’s time to see how to properly secure your bike to a bike stand.  Watch the short video below produced by REI for instructions:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MIzc3QOexI