Delivery Rider Bicycle Security

The North East Crime Reduction team are advising all delivery bike owners to consider their bike security after a recent increase in the theft of bikes from outside restaurants and takeaways.

‘Many of the bikes stolen were not secured or had limited and very poor security. Even if you are only leaving your bike in a busy public place for a brief moment, it is worth investing in good quality cycle specific locks to secure your bike. Ideally, use two different types of lock. Remember that locks are more vulnerable when close to the ground, so keep them off the floor.’

Thieves will routinely carry bolt croppers or even battery powered angle grinders and light weight, poor quality locks offer very little resistance and are easily overcome. As a rough guide consider spending at least 10% of the value of the bike on a lock.

Always buy the best quality lock you can afford and look out for those that have been endorsed as ‘Sold Secure’ or ‘Secured by Design.’ 

Photograph your bike and record all of your bike’s details and distinguishing features and keep in a safe place. The serial number can be found on the bottom bracket. Consider using a bike registration scheme such as ‘Bike Register’ to mark your bicycle. Not only is this a deterrent to thieves but should you be unlucky enough to have your bicycle stolen it increases the chances of getting your bicycle back.

If you are solely relying on your home insurance policy for cover, it may be worth making contact with them if your bike is valued at over £400, policies often will only pay this amount unless the bike is specified on the policy.

Further advice regarding bike security can be found at www.scotland.police.uk

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Police Scotland's North East Division covers rural and urban areas in Moray, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City.  The division has five territorial command areas which have their own dedicated Area Commander, who is responsible for the daily policing function.  Each command area is served by a number of community policing teams whose activities are built around the needs of the local community.  These teams respond to local calls and look for long term solutions to key issues.  They are assisted by the division's Crime Reduction Unit who deliver against Force and local priorities in a number of areas, including physical and social crime prevention, supporting and enhancing community engagement and creating and sustaining strong and effective partnership working.