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Bike theft is a sad reality \u2013 but there\u2019s things you can do to put the brakes on would-be thiefs.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s not nice, but bike stealing is something of a common problem in Ireland \u2013 and as bikes are increasing in value and popularity, there\u2019s good reason to think the practice won\u2019t stop anytime soon.<\/span><\/p>\n What you can do, though, is ensure that you\u2019ve done everything on your end to make your bike is as theft-proof as possible \u2013 and then, just in case, be aware of the legal protocols and mechanisms in place to help you should disaster strike\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n Buy a good lock<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s not rocket science, this! A good rule of thumb to use is that your lock should be worth 10% the amount you paid for your bike. Nobody who\u2019s invested huge sums of money in a bicycle should bat an eyelid at paying a little extra for a whole lot of peace of mind; good locks might cost in the region of \u20ac50, but that\u2019s nothing compared to the cost of replacing your ride. Basic locks are like an invitation to thiefs \u2013 and what\u2019s more, they\u2019ll spot an easy opportunity a mile away. In fact, some especially security conscious cyclists recommend buying two different locks from two separate brands \u2013 based on the theory that no thief will carry around more than one lock cutter\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n Lock it somewhere secure<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Again, it\u2019s the simple things. Even the best lock in the world is no good if you\u2019ve locked to<\/em> something useless; if it can be moved or lifted, you\u2019re in trouble. Sheffield-type stands are widely seen as the safest spot to pop your bike; just remember to always lock the wheels of your bike as well the frame. Failing that, just make sure the structure you\u2019re fastening to is secure.<\/span><\/p>\n While quick release suspensions are all over the roads these days, your usual cycle repairs shop can help make sure you don\u2019t fall prey to a wheel thief; they can do the same with your saddle, if you fancy, and it\u2019s relatively inexpensive too.<\/span><\/p>\n Always lock the bike \u2013 even at home <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Some might think this one a little excessive, but the number of bikes stolen from sheds, gardens and shared hallways suggests otherwise. it\u2019s always better to be safe rather than sorry, so whenever you\u2019re leaving your bike in one spot for an extended period, lock it to be sure.<\/span><\/p>\n Preparing for the worst<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Even the most diligent of cyclists can suffer terrible luck \u2013 so let\u2019s say that, despite all of your preventative methods, the worst has happened. There\u2019s a lot that could help you, so set aside time some evening and pre-empt disaster\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n Take a photo of the bike \u2013 and a number of them. You can even get one of you with it, to prove that it\u2019s yours!<\/span><\/p>\n Bike theft is a sad reality \u2013 but there\u2019s things you can do to put the brakes on would-be […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":96,"featured_media":824,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"global-categories":[],"class_list":["post-716","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cycle-safety"],"yoast_head":"\n\n
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