Cycle theft is now big business, even though in recent years bike thefts have dropped in the UK, almost 400,000 bikes are stolen each year. Bike theft around this area is an on-going problem. Our CCTV system has discouraged thieves but it could still occur even from our secure bins if a thief was very determined and reckless of being caught but no matter where you park your bike, by following the actions below you can dramatically reduce your chances of having your bike stolen.
What you can do
- Report anyone acting suspiciously near bike storage areas to our building attendants.
- Lock your bike before leaving it, even if it is only for a few minutes.
- Use a good lock (Sold Secure gold rating is best. See http://www.whycycle.co.uk/safety-locks.htm )
- Insure your bike in case you do suffer a loss. Insurance is available on-line at approx 10% of bicycle value per annum. See: http://www.cycleguard.co.uk/ Some policies can cover damage to others, breakdowns and injury compensation as well. Check to see if you are covered already under your home policy.
- Lock cycles through the frame and the wheels. It may be practical to have more than one lock to do this - or use a stout cable to go through the wheels and shackle lock.
- Secure or remove quick release wheels.
- Ensure you have recorded the make, model and serial number of your bike. The police hold a large number of found bikes but are unable to trace the owners. You can register your bike's details at: https://www.immobilise.com/
- Ensure you take all easily removable items from your bike once it is locked including, lights, panyons, quick release saddles, pumps and water bottles.
- Try not to leave your bikes in the open overnight, at weekends, or for long periods.
- Do your commuting on a folding bike that you can collapse down and carry around.
What Birkbeck is doing
- Provision of lockable bicycle bins - these have been fitted with very robust hasps and chained padlocks. You should still shackle your bike inside too.
- Provision of interest free loans to staff to purchase bikes including folding bikes that you can bring inside since these are less likely to inconvenience anyone or damage the fabric of the buildings. Contact the Finance Department as you would for a Season Ticket Loan.
- Continually trying to identify ways to improve security and make it difficult for thieves to operate around Birkbeck eg the increased CCTV coverage around the College.
- Investigation of a Birkbeck bike-tagging scheme. This would work by issuing a non-removable sticker with a unique number and an UV marker. Once the stickers have been placed on the bike a registration card would be returned to the scheme administrator so that the bike can be included on the bike register. This scheme will increase the chance that your bike is returned to you if it is recovered.
- The provision of information regarding security - like on this page.
Final note
Birkbeck will help as far as is possible to protect your property via CCTV, by providing frames to lock bikes to and possibly setting up a tagging scheme, but ultimately, the responsibility to protect your property lies with you.