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Lock It or Lose It

 It is essential that you have a good quality lock for your bike and that you never leave it unlocked in a public place, even for the shortest time. It takes seconds for a thief to ride away with your bike. 

Sometimes bikes are stolen purely as a means of transport, so even the oldest bike left insecure outside a shop for a few minutes is at risk.

Some locks may look good quality but you basically get what you pay for. Some D locks, for example, may look robust, but are mostly made up of a thick layer of plastic with only a very thin metal core – easy for a cycle thief to twist off or to cut through. 


Please see below examples of insecure locks spotted in use around the city: 

 

About Bicycle Locks

It’s generally advised to spend at least 10% of the value of your bike on a lock, and, if you can, to use two different types of lock to deter thieves. Locks are generally sold with two keys; always keep your spare key in a safe place in case your key is lost or stolen, and keep a note of your key number (this should be on the key itself or come with the lock when you buy it) so you can replace it if all else fails.

Always take good care of your lock and key – treatment such as leaving your lock outdoors for prolonged periods can take its toll and if your lock breaks, you may find it very difficult to rescue your bike.

Discounted bike locks can also be purchased through our partner, York Community Watch. For information on their selection of bike locks and other cycle security equipment please visit: http://www.saferyork.org/products---cycle-and-vehicle.html

 

Types Of Lock

D Locks

These are heavy rigid steel locks in a D or U shape, generally very heavy and tough-looking. The more you pay, the stronger and secure it will be. D locks range from around £20-£80 They can be heavy (over 1kg) although many come with a mounting bracket so that you can attach your lock to your bike frame whilst riding. They can be limiting in that they will not fit around all street furniture, for example lamp posts. 

When you lock up, try to fit the stand, the rim of one of the wheels and the frame into the D. By securing your wheel as well you’ll not only make it harder for thieves to take, but there’ll also be less space in the D which will prevent thieves from inserting bars or jacks to lever the lock. It’s best to angle the lock so that the opening is facing down. This prevents thieves from pouring in substances such as glue to prevent the owner from being able to retrieve the bike, giving them the chance to force the bike later. 

Cable Locks

Cable locks can vary enormously in weight and strength. They are more flexible so can be used in situations where a D lock might not fit, but thinner, cheaper versions are very easily cut through. However, thicker cable locks can be very secure. 

Thinner cables are useful in combination with other locks to secure parts like wheels or your saddle so that you don’t need to remove them every time you leave your bike. 

Chains and Padlocks

These can be very heavy and impractical to carry around, but they are very tough and a good quality, hardened heavy-duty chain combined with a couple of good hardened padlocks may be the strongest option available. If you need to leave your cycle locked up outside somewhere regularly you might consider leaving your chain locked there permanently (though please keep in mind inconvenience to other users). 

 

Extra Security

D locks and cable locks only allow you to lock the frame and one wheel of your bike, so you may decide to buy 2 D Locks to secure both wheels, or to buy a cable lock to secure the second wheel. Alternatively, you could combine your 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. 

If you have quick release mechanisms on your bike, it can be very easy for thieves to steal your saddle and wheels. You may wish to replace the quick release mechanisms with ordinary bolts or nuts which fit a spanner or allen key; or you can buy special locking nuts which can only be undone with a specially designed version of an allen key which is sold with the bolt. 

If you’re unsure about this, your local bike shop should be able to advise you and fit the replacement if necessary. 

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