Police in Edinburgh have issued advice on cycle security. This follows earlier news that a man has been arrested in connection with two thefts of bikes over the weekend.
• Use two different types of lock to secure your bike and have one that is Sold Secure (gold, silver or bronze standard).
• Always lock your bicycle, even for a couple of minutes.
• Lock your bike to an immovable object. Use a proper stand/ground anchor/robust street furniture. Thieves remove drainpipes and lift bikes over signposts.
• Lock your bike through the frame.
• Secure removable parts. Lock both wheels and frame together.
• Take smaller parts and accessories that can be removed without tools with you, e.g. lights etc and fit security fasteners on items such as wheels, headsets and seat posts.
• Make the lock (and chain, if used) and bike difficult to move when parked.
• To stop thieves smashing the lock open.
–keep the lock (and/or chain) away from the ground.
–keep the gap between the bike and the lock small.
–never leave the lock lying on the ground, it can be easily hit with a hammer.
• Prevent lock picking. Face the lock towards the ground, but not resting on it, as this makes it harder to pick.
• Lock in a busy, well lit place, in view of other people or CCTV.
• Don’t park your bike in the way of prams, pedestrians or wheelchairs.
• Never park in front of a fire exit.
• Don’t’ lock your bike in the same place every day, there’s more chance of it being noticed and stolen to order.
You can register your bikes details free online at bikeregister.com
More info – https://www.scotland.police.uk/keep-safe/home-and-personal-property/keep-your-bicycle-secure
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
