It’s almost summer, and it’s time for us to enjoy the warm weather. Some of you may like to have fun soaking in the beach, but the others who prefer to hit the trail with their bikes may want to learn some tips to prevent bike theft, which is rampant nowadays. In fact, other cyclists admitted being victimized of bike thieving at least once.
For those who haven’t experienced getting their bike stolen, consider yourself lucky. But your luck won’t last long, if you don’t make some precautionary measures to secure your bike. If you’re going to protect your bike, do it correctly. Here are some essential tips to stop bike theft.
5 Tips to Prevent Bike Theft
Tip #1: Lock Your Bike at All Times
Unless yours is a folding bike, you can’t bring it with you wherever you go. The solution is to lock it to something secure like a bike post even if you will be away for only a minute. A professional bike theft can take your bike in a matter of seconds! So before you leave your bike behind, make sure that it is locked. If there’s nothing you can lock your bike to, the simplest security you can do is to lock the bike’s front wheel to the frame.
Tip #2: Don’t Rely on Cable Locks
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Cable locks are not exactly secure as it can be removed easily using a bolt cutter or hacksaw. Better use a thick chain or U-lock. In using a U-lock, it is recommended to place the keyhole face down so the thief will have a hard time breaking it.
Tip #3: Use a GPS Tracker
The advantage of bike with GPS is that in the event it gets stolen, you can easily track and recover it eventually. The GPS device can provide the bike’s location, which the law enforcers can use to retrieve your missing bike and arrest the criminals.
Tip #4: Never Leave Your Quick-Release Wheels and Bike Accessories
The reason why you should carry with you, if possible, your bike accessories like quick-release wheels, pumps, seats, cycle computers, and lights is that those items can easily be taken out. Consider using a bolt for your seat post or security skewers in lieu of quick release. This way, it will be harder for thieves to steal your bike as unique key is needed to remove the security skewers.
Tip #5: Take Note of Your Bike’s Serial Number
All bikes have serial numbers. It is usually placed at the bottom of the bracket. If you can’t memorize it, at least save it on your phone or write down on a piece of paper. It will come in handy in the event you lose your bike as it is the best way to identify that it’s yours. It is also better if you engrave or put a sticker on a concealed part of your bike, containing your name and contact number.
Remember these tips to prevent bike theft. This will help you in protecting your asset helps you recover your stolen bike.
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