Do you know every year approximately 800,000 to 2 million bikes go missing in America alone? Yes, it is now becoming a serious crime these days, haunting people all across the United States. What more daunting is that it is just a small part of the thefts that actually take place, as many owners don’t go for reporting! And the number of thefts is increasing undoubtedly. Despite of all these stats and figures, bike owners often overlook the safety measures and precautions, which lead to this undesirable condition. Here are some useful tips and solutions to reduce the chances of someone making off with your property.
Firstly, learn about some simple ways to keep your cycle safe:
Count on a U-lock:
Are you using a cable or chain to lock your bike? Well this would be the biggest mistake you have been doing. Go to the market and buy a U-lock, it is much better and safer than those expensive chains and wires. There is a wide range of locks available in the market. Don’t go by price, go by quality. In addition, it is most important to lock your bike every time you get off your cycle. It has been generally observed that several thefts occur when the owner leave the cycle unlocked for that – “just for a minute” time period.
Right positioning of lock:
Another major point you need to consider while locking your bike is to put the U-lock through the frame. Many bikers put it through a wheel, giving an open invitation to the thief. Burglars will simply remove the wheel, taking away your bike frame. Therefore, make sure you put the lock through both the frames and the front wheel together.
Park it right:
While parking your cycle don’t just look for a place to park, instead search for a safe space. Yes, it may sound bit weird. But it has been found that parking in a wrong place makes thing easier for intruders. Firstly, avoid parking overnight in public and on traffic signs. These burglars take the sign off the top of the pole, sliding bike over the pole. Also, avoid those ends of bike racks which are constructed with simple nuts and bolts. The reason behind is that these can be easily disassembled and sliding your bike off it becomes trouble-free.
Try alternate solutions:
You own an expensive bike. Well that’s really good, but it would be more disheartening losing the expensive one, isn’t it? Hence, who fear for their classy cycles but have to leave it parked in public overnight, or a longer period, can consider getting a second or less expensive one. Simple, it’ll be less likely to be stolen. Or you can paint over the expensive brand names or add some stickers to fool a thief.
Remember, your awareness can save you from losing your bike. Be careful, keep it secured!