If you were lucky enough to have gotten a push bike this Christmas it is important to keep it safe and protected no matter the price!
It is always a good idea to keep your bike padlocked when outside to deter thieves. If you can buy a decent quality, heavy duty lock (or even two!) in the region of £40 to ensure they cannot be tampered with. Always look for a certified ‘Sold Secure’ lock as these are guaranteed to be of high quality. Thieves often target the nicer neighbourhoods as these are where the more expensive bikes are so even if it looks safe always lock your bike.
If your bike is unfortunate enough to get stolen there is now new technology which allows the police to track it. BikeRegister is a police approved marking scheme which allows you to register your bike online and mark it with one of their security marking kits including warning labels to deter thieves.
Keep a photo and record of any distinguishing marks so that if the bike is stolen you can give a full description to the police and increase your chances of getting your bike returned. If you do find your bike stolen then make sure you report it to your local police force via http://www.online.police.uk/ or call 101 straight away.
More than half of bike thefts occur on private property at the owner’s home address so it is important to store your bike in a safe place preferable indoors or in a locked shed or garage.
Finally, it is important to insure your bike so that if the circumstance does occur whereby your bicycle is stolen and the police cannot recover it you will be able to get a replacement. Remember to read through the small print of any insurance policy to make sure your bike is completely covered as some companies may exclude cover for certain things particularly if the bike is of very high value and you may be able to add extra benefits such as cover abroad and for accessories. For a full comprehensive bicycle insurance from SportsCover Direct click here.
Now that your bike is fully protected and you have taken all the necessary precautions you can go out and enjoy it, safe in the knowledge your bike is fully prepped and protected!