As more people have been exploring outdoor hobbies in recent years, cycling has experienced a significant increase in popularity across Ontario, leading to a surge in bike sales. Unfortunately, this growth has also resulted in a rise in bike thefts, with over 7,000 bikes being stolen in the province during the two-year period between 2020-2021.
Here are some tips to keep your bike from being stolen and what to do if your bike happens to be the target of a successful thief.
Invest in a high-quality U-lock
Shop for a U-lock that’s the right size for your bike—it should be able to lock the frame and back wheel to a fixed rack without leaving enough room for a thief to insert a tool and break it open. Budget for a lock that costs roughly 10% of the value of your bike.
Add some extra security
An additional steel cable lock that is long enough to attach the frame, wheels and seat to a post or rack will deter potential thieves even further and make them consider another bike that isn’t as well protected. When closing the U-lock, position it in a way that makes it difficult to access, such as facing the keyhole down and away from view.
Anything you can’t lock—bike seat, pump, bike bags—should be removed and taken with you. A bike without a seat is a lot less comfortable to ride and not as tempting to steal! If taking those components with you just isn’t an option, key-lock axle skewers and seat clamps are available and add an extra layer of security.
Find a great spot to lock your bike
Search for a dedicated bike rack and try to leave your bike at the centre of it. Bikes locked on either end of the rack attract more attention. If a bike rack isn’t available, find a sturdy tree or post that is permanently fixed to the ground. Avoid chain link fences as thieves will have no problem cutting through one.
Some cities and towns will remove bikes that are deemed an obstruction to pedestrians or traffic—be considerate of pathways and lanes when locking up.
Mix it up! Constantly leaving your bike in the same location or leaving it for longer periods of time will make it an easier and attractive target for thieves.
Get to know your bike
Mark down your bike’s serial number and take note of its location on the bike. Keep this information filed along with the sales receipt for your bike—in addition to receipts for any future upgrades.
Take photos of any scrapes and dings your bike may have acquired while out and about. Think about adding something unique to the bike as well, such as an engraving or decal that will set it .
Stay vigilant—even at home!
- It only takes thieves a minute to steal a bike. If your bike is stored in your garage, keep the garage door closed and decrease visibility of the bike whenever you can.
- Leaving your bike in your backyard in view is also tempting fate—a thief will not hesitate to come onto your property and steal the bike when you’re not.
- Don’t have a garage? Consider bringing your bike inside! There are several options for wall mounts that can make your bike part of the décor.
- Some condo buildings have bike rooms for secure bike storage, saving you the hassle of carrying it up stairs or into an elevator. If you have a storage locker and plan to keep your bike in it, try to keep your bike away from the outer sides of the locker where it’s visible—thieves may still be able to steal your bike from the locker.
Despite taking every precaution, your bike is stolen. Now what?
- There may be a possibility you locked up your bike somewhere different than you remembered. Take a walk around the area to see if that’s the case. If you’re leaving your bike in an unfamiliar location, take a photo of it. The picture on your phone will contain location data that will help you pinpoint its location.
- Contact the municipality to see if the bike has been recovered or removed by the local authorities. If it hasn’t been, fill out a police report. Some cities will allow you to do this online.
- Post an image of your bike on your social media accounts to see if any friends or family may have spotted the bike.
- Visit Facebook Marketplace or classified ad websites and search for recently posted bikes for sale. If you see your bike, print the ad including contact details—screenshots or a PDF will work too—and provide the information to the police. In addition to online marketplaces, don’t forget to check local pawn shops or consignment stores as well.
- Place an ad yourself, looking to buy a bike that’s the same make and model as your missing bike. Be specific, including any accessories that may narrow down the search even further. You might end up getting a call from the thief trying to sell you your own bike.
While on the search for your missing bike, don’t forget to contact your insurance Broker as soon as possible! They’ll help you determine whether you should make a claim, given the value of the bike and the deductible applied under your policy. It’s also a great idea to contact them when you first purchase your bike. Your Broker will provide you with more information on coverage limits on your bike under your home policy and whether you should consider scheduling additional coverage.
