Protect Your Bike

Remember the Executive Meeting on Wednesday, May 14 at 7:00pm at Tom's - 1653 Dean Park Road

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.

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).

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This information was taken from the Victoria Police Department's Protect Your Bike brouchure.