Sharp rise in London bike theft

[silverbow]

They could do worse than start by saying, for example: "we know of many cases where stolen bikes were sold by street traders near brick lane market: if you purchase a bike there, we will assume you knew it to be stolen unless the seller gives you proof of ownership". Fix signs with this or similar message to lamp posts in the area and then nobody would be able to wriggle out by saying "I bought it in good faith"

The proof ownership is a good idea. A bike equivalent of the V5 doc?

 

[silverbow]

CCtv and a decent insurance outfit are the only other extra's you can do silver. Im sure then its down to the area or attraction to the target thieves. If they want it that bad they will get it, however for a sub £250 bike it doesnt seem to be worth the risk.

CCTV is what in management speak we would call a "hygine factor". You must have it so a comprehensive security system, but mostly they are a waste of time. In the Building I mentioned above we the residents spent many thousands of pounds to install a CCTV system only to see footage of 'Youth in Hoody' Stealing / Breaking in / Vandalising. But insurance companies like them…

 

[Garz]

You must have it so a comprehensive security system, but mostly they are a waste of time. In the Building I mentioned above we the residents spent many thousands of pounds to install a CCTV system only to see footage of 'Youth in Hoody' Stealing / Breaking in / Vandalising. But insurance companies like them…[/FONT][/COLOR]

Hence why I said it with "CCtv and a decent insurance outfit" , only so that your claims would be fast and get the value of bike back. I agree they wont deter all thieves or pro ones.

 

[skrx]

CCTV is what in management speak we would call a "hygine factor". You must have it so a comprehensive security system, but mostly they are a waste of time.

My bike was stolen from the worst-hit area according to the reports (between Covent Garden and Strand). When I reported it, the police said the area was targetted because there was no CCTV, the bike racks were on no-through-rooute-for-cars roads, but they were near a fast road (Strand) for a quick getaway.

I sent some Gumtree links, including my stolen bike, to the Covent Garden Safer Neighbourhoods team, who phoned back and said they'd passed it on to their intelligence team. I haven't heard anything more.

More (any?) policing of Brick Lane and Gumtree would be a good start, IMO.

 

[Dan B]

You seem to be rather well informed... now where is that crime stoppers number?

In your wallet. No, the other pocket. Yes, the one where your credit card was

 

[scouserinlondon]

People don't know how to lock up their bikes. The number of bikes I see with a D lock through the frame, but the whole assemblage THEN attached to a tree or a lamp post with just an extension cable is astonishing.

The number of cut extension cables lying around Marylebone is interesting, as well.

This.

Touch wood. We're lucky enough to have a reasonably secure (though quite hidden from view) cycle storage facility. Even though it's gated I use a kryptonite new york lock, and an eff off bike chain, and my bike's only worth £500. I always try to be slightly more secure than a near more expensive bike, but still expect my wheels to get nicked one day no matter what I do.

 

[Wheeledweenie]

People don't know how to lock up their bikes. The number of bikes I see with a D lock through the frame, but the whole assemblage THEN attached to a tree or a lamp post with just an extension cable is astonishing.

The number of cut extension cables lying around Marylebone is interesting, as well.

Ah but I find it difficult to find proper bike parking off the main drag. I've suspended my bike off the ground by the D-lock before now just so I could get it through the frame AND round the lamppost!

 

[CharlieB]

Yet another set of newbie questions, which seemed appropriate in this thread:

What types of insurance are available/what is covered (3rd party/theft/both/more)?
What cost range can one pay?
Is premium cost driven by where you live or where you commute?
Who is best placed to sell you best package? lbs/www?

Ta for any help!

 

[Twanger]

24 quid to add my Sirrus elite to the house contents. Only stipulation is that it is locked to immovable street furniture. No stipulation of type of lock. (Sainsbury's)
3rd party on LCC.

That's my 2 pence.