Protect Your Bike

Always Lock Your Bike

• Even for quick errands, never leave your bike unlocked. A thief can grab it in seconds!
• More bikes are stolen from homes (apartment lockers, yards, porches, garages) than any other location.
• Wherever you store your bike - lock it (ideally to a permanent installation). Make sure your storage area is properly secured.
• If your bike is expensive and you regularly leave it parked in public for a long time, consider getting a second, less costly "beater bike". However, a poorly-locked cheap bike is often a better target that a well-locked expensive bike.

Renters

• If your landlord won't permit you to store your bike in your apartment, talk to other bicycle-owning tenants, then approach the Owner/Resident Manager to see if they are willing to install a good quality bike rack in a well-secured locker.
• Suggest a modest monthly storage fee (e.g. $10/bike) to offset the cost.
• A closed circuit surveillance camera
• Be observant around bike racks. Watch for someone "checking out" bikes. Most people will walk directly to their bike. Report suspicious activity to the Police (if it's a theft in progress, call 911).
• When bike racks aren't available, try to find a fixed, immoveable object like a sturdy sign post. Beware of sign posts with a bolt at the bottom as the bolt can be loosened and the pole removed. Be sure that the bike cannot be lifted up and over the post.
• Chain link fences, wooden posts, small trees/bushes should be avoided as they are often easy to break or cut through with standard tools.
• Don't park in the same location all the time. A thief may notice the pattern and target your bike.
• Always ask a retailer if you can bring your bike inside while you shop there. The chance of theft drops dramatically.would be a wonderful addition (helpful to other tenants as well).

Where to Park Your Bike

• When parking your bike in a public area, pick a heavily traveled, well lit location. Thieves dislike operating in exposed places. If possible, park your bike together with other bikes.
• The most secure object to lock your bike to is a well designed bike rack that is permanently anchored to the ground. Try to lock up at bike racks near doors to buildings.
• If a bike rack is full, find another. Don't try to squeeze your bike into a space that won't allow you to lock properly.

What Types of Locks to Use

• The most important thing you can do to prevent the theft of your bike is to purchase the best quality locks that you can afford! A good locking system may cost $30-40 more than a poor one but it helps protect your significant investment.
• Use two locks. The more tools, time and trouble it takes a thief to attack your bike, the less likely the risk of theft.
• There are two basic types of locking devices, the cable/chain lock and the U-lock.

U-Lock

• By far the most secure type is the flat U (or D) shaped lock made of solid steel.
• The best position for the locking mechanism is in the centre of the crossbar (locks on the end can be pried off).
• Don't buy a larger diameter U-lock than you really need. One of the main ways U-locks are broken is by inserting tools inside the U to pry it open.
• Make sure your U-lock will fit around both wheels and a post, for example.

Cable/Chain

• Cable locks offer more flexibility and are lighter than U-locks. However, a lightweight cable is vulnerable to cutting. The overwhelming majority of stolen bikes were locked with a cable or chain.
• A cable lock should be at least 3/8in (9.5mm) in diameter to avoid being cut by wire or bolt cutters. Look for "weaved cabling" as it's harder to cut than straight strand cable.
• Though very heavy, case hardened steel chain (minimum 3/8 in), enclosed in a vinyl tube, also protects well.Remember. Use Two Locks.

How to Lock Your Bike

Quick release front wheel

• Remove the front wheel, place it next to the rear wheel. Fit your U-lock around the rack and through ALL parts of your bicycle - rear wheel, frame and front wheel.
• Lock your cable around the front wheel and the rack.
• Consider replacing the quick release mechanism with non-quick release skewers.

Non-quick release front wheel

• U-lock the rear wheel and frame to the rack.
• Use a cable lock to secure the front wheel to the frame and a stationary object, if possible.
• Since the rear wheel is nearly twice as expensive as the front one on most mountain bikes, if you can't lock both wheels, lock the rear one.
• Don't lock your bike to a rack only by its wheel. A thief will steal the rest of your bike.
• The proper placement of the lock is important. Position your U-lock so that the keyhole faces toward the ground. This makes it harder for a thief to drill through it or pour dissolving substances into it.
• If using a cable or chain, pull up all the slack to ensure the lock is high enough off the ground so it can't be attacked by a hammer or a rock.
• Take all easily removed accessories (e.g. lights, seat & seat post) with you.
• You could also replace the quick release seat with nuts and bolts i.e. seat post pin.

Stolen Bike Recovery

• Less than 15% of stolen bikes recovered by the Victoria Police Department are returned to their rightful owners. Why?
  • Owners don't check with the Police.
  • Lack of proper identification.
• Here's the vital information you need to record: Make, Model, Manufacturer, Serial #, Colour, Type (e.g. Mountain, Road), Men's/Women's, Speed (e.g. 10, 21, etc.).
• Take a good colour photograph of your bike.
• Store this information, along with your sales receipt, in a secure place.
• For greater security, engrave your BC Driver?s License # (BCDL + 7 digit number) several places on your bike. If your stolen bike is recovered, the Victoria Police Department will be able to find you via a computer link with the Motor Vehicles Branch.
• Engravers are available free at the Victoria Police Headquarters and most independent bike retailers.

If your bike is stolen

• Call the Victoria Police to file a report. This will not only open your file but also let the Police know where there is a problem area.
• If you purchased a quality, brand name U-lock your loss may be covered by insurance. File a claim with the lock manufacturer. You will need a Police report for this claim.

What Loss Does Insurance Cover?

• Bicycles are usually only insured under a Home Owners or Tenants policy.
• Unless covered under a separate schedule, most policies have a $300-$500 deductible clause. Plus you will lose any "no claim discounts" for the next three years (approx. $80/year on a typical Home Owners policy). Payout is on the replacement value and carries a maximum ranging from $500-$1000. Don't support the market for stolen bicycles. Knowingly purchasing a stolen bicycle is "possession of stolen property" and against the law! Only buy a second hand bike from a bicycle dealer or someone you trust. Example: If your stolen bike has a $750 replacement value, taking into account a $500 deductible and a three year discount loss of $240, your "real claim" is $10!
• Under a separate schedule, your bike is insured to its purchase price with a $100 deductible. The typical annual premium is 4% of the insured value.
• Talk to your Insurance Agent for more information.