Cycling is a great way to keep fit and get around, but you need to make sure you secure your bike to prevent it being stolen.
Cycle Parking Map
Advice on preventing cycle theft
- Always lock your cycle, even if you are just leaving it for a few minutes
- Avoid leaving your bike in isolated places- leave your bike where it can be seen, preferably with other bikes
- Lock your bike to an immovable object - there are plenty of cycle racks around campus
- Invest in agood quality lock (see below)
- Remove or lock down any removable parts
- Mark your bike so it can be identified, preferably using a Police-approved scheme like Bike Register or SmartWater.
Types of locks
You need to make sure that you have a high-quality lock. A general rule is to spend at least 10% of the value of your bike on a lock. If you can, use two different types of lock to deter thieves.
- D locks: rigid steel locks in a D or U shape, these are generally heavy and tough looking and the more you pay, the more secure it will be.
- Cable locks: More flexible than D locks, they can be used where D locks don't fit, but thinner, cheaper versions can be very easily cut through.
- Chains and padlocks: Although these can be quite heavy, they are very tough and a good quality chain and padlock should be a secure and strong option.
- Extra security: Most locks only allow you to lock the frame and one wheel of your bike, so you may want to invest in two D locks, or buy a cable lock to secure the second wheel. Alternatively, you could combine a D lock with an "extension" cable - a flexible cable with open loop ends which you can loop through the wheel you haven't locked and secure to the D lock before you lock it.
Quick release mechanisms can make it easy for thieves to steal your saddle and wheels, but you can replace the mechanisms with ordinary bolts or nuts. You could even remove the front wheel and secure it to the frame of the bike.
Bike insurance
If you own a valuable and/or desirable bike then it is highly advisable to insure it for loss. There are several specialist bike insurers - search online for details.
What to do if your bike is stolen
Contact St Mary's Security on 020 8240 4335 in the first instance if your bike is stolen from the St Mary's campus.
If your bike is stolen elsewhere then contact the police to report the theft. You can do this on the police website or by calling 101 from your phone.
You should always report thefts, even if you don't think you are likely to get your bike back. You will also need the Crime Reference Number from your report in order to claim on any insurance policy you may have.
What to do if you are assaulted for your bike or other possessions
If you are threatened by anyone or attacked for your bike or other possessions, remember that your safety is more important than your belongings. Call Security on 4335 or 020 8240 4335 immediately to report any such instances.