Cycle theft is the most reported crime in Cambridge and Camcycle has joined with Cambridge City Council, Cambridgeshire Police and other local organisations to raise awareness of the issue and ensure cyclists across Cambridgeshire take reasonable steps to secure their bikes.

The University is happy to be endorsing this campaign, in the hopes we can bring down the numbers of cycles stolen from our staff and students each year. The campaign offers a set of useful tips about how to reduce the chance your bike will be stolen and how to make sure you have the best chance of recovering it if it is.

Lock it securely at all times

Poor quality of locks and locking techniques make cycles more vulnerable to theft. Our advice is to:

• Park your cycle in as secure a location as possible.
• Lock it to a solid stand that is securely attached (ideally concreted) to the ground, well overlooked and covered by CCTV.
• If you have access to a secure cycle park, use it.
• Ensure you use at least one lock with Sold Secure Gold rating or above.
• Lock your frame and both wheels to the stand as tightly as possible. Two D-locks or a D-lock plus a cable are ideal.
• Always lock your cycle, even if you are leaving it for just a minute to pop into a shop!

Log it online at bikeregister.com

Once a cycle is stolen, the lack of identifiable information to prove a crime often prevents the police from being able to connect stolen cycles with their owners. Our advice is to:

• Register your cycle with frame number and description at bikeregister.com.
• If you don’t have access to the internet at home, you could ask a friend to help or go to the library. Your local bike shop may also be able to help you.
• You should also record your frame number and description somewhere safe at home or as a contact in your phone.
• Save a photo of your cycle and receipt along with the frame number. Keep important information including manufacturer and model, predominant colour(s) and size, along with details and receipts for any accessories.
• The frame number is usually found on the bottom bracket or seat tube. Bike marking kits can be used to improve identification.

For more information on keeping your cycle safe, visit camcycle.org.uk/cycletheft.

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Written by Jo Beale, Transport Coordinator