As a cyclist, your bikes are not only a mode of transport, they are also an essential part of your way of life. Unfortunately, with the rise in bike thefts and increasingly sophisticated methods used by thieves, protecting your collection has never been more critical. In this guide, we’ll cover the most effective security tips to help you safeguard your bikes when they are stored at home.
Out of sight, out of mind.
If transporting your bikes on a roof rack, it’s not a bad idea to remove them as soon as you’re home. Reducing the visibility and ease of access to your bikes will have a profound effect on their security. Leaving bikes on a roof rack, even for a short time, can attract unwanted attention and make them an easy target for theft
Install additional garage door security
If you’re lucky enough to have a garage, the likelihood is that you will have an ‘up and over garage door. Most up and over garage doors are made using thin pressed metal, which doesn’t pose much of an issue for thieves as they are able to bend the bottom of the door open and make off with your bikes.
*Important*
Its important to note that most up and over garage doors can be opened from the inside without the use of a key, which means that they do not fall within our definition of a deadbolt. If your up and over garage door can be opened from the inside without a key, you either need to lock your bikes internally to an immovable object using an approved lock, or fit additional locks to the garage door.
There are a couple of simple yet effective ways to bolster the security of your garage door. Installation of Enfield style garage door locks or a garage door defender will make it a lot harder for thieves to enter your garage. Another step you can take is to park your car up against the garage door. Simple yet effective.
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Internal security
Ground and wall anchors add another layer of physical security making it difficult for thieves to make off with your bikes. There are many anchors available on the market but we really like the Hiplok AX1000 which is angle grinder proof!
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Strava safey
To stay safe on Strava, adjust your privacy settings to hide the start and end points of your activities, set visibility to “Followers Only” or “Only You,” and be selective about follower requests. Avoid sharing personal information in your bio, and delay uploading activities until you’ve left the location to prevent real-time tracking. Use “Enhanced Privacy Mode” for added security and disable map visibility for sensitive routes. Be mindful of segment visibility, avoid posting future plans, and limit cross-posting to social media. Regularly review connected apps and report any suspicious behaviour to keep your account secure.
Selling bikes
Selling a bicycle in a neutral location, such as a public place or a well-lit, busy area, is safer than selling at home for several reasons. First, it enhances personal safety by reducing the risk of encountering a potentially dangerous buyer at your residence, which could lead to theft or harassment. Additionally, it protects your privacy, as selling at home reveals your address and could make you a target for future thefts. (Chances are that if you are selling a nice bike, you’re going to have others in the collection..)
Neutral locations can create a safer environment; public places with security cameras or staff discourage criminal behaviour and provide witnesses if something goes wrong. Selling in a neutral spot limits future contact, ensuring that the buyer doesn’t know where you live, making it harder for them to return with malicious intent.
Turn on the lights
Using lighting timers in your home while on holiday creates the illusion that someone is still present. By programming lights to turn on and off at different intervals, you can mimic your normal routine, making it less obvious that your home is empty. This unpredictability can deter potential burglars who typically look for vacant houses. Additionally, well-lit exteriors and interiors contribute to an overall feeling of safety in the neighbourhood, as homes with visible activity are less attractive targets.
Social media whilst on holiday
Limiting the use of social media when abroad significantly enhances your home security by reducing the risk of burglaries and other crimes. When you post updates, photos, or check-ins from your holiday, you inadvertently inform potential intruders that your home is unoccupied. This public information can attract thieves looking for easy targets. By keeping your travel plans and whereabouts private until you return, you minimise the chances of someone taking advantage of your absence, thereby safeguarding your home and belongings.
