Don't let your bike get stolen

There has recently been an increase in thefts of bicycles in the city centre.

We want Derby to be a place where you can leave your bike and be confident it will be there when you return.  You can help deter the thieves by:

• LOCKING YOUR BIKE, no matter how short a period of time you intend to be away for. Even if it is visible from where you are, locking it will deter or delay an opportunist thief.
• LOCKING IT TO SOMETHING IMMOVABLE AND SOLID.  You need to lock the frame (not just one wheel) to something.  Alternatively you can lock the rear wheel to something - as long as the lock is inside the "rear triangle" of the frame.  Avoid locking to private property such as fences and gates.  Avoid locking where you would be blocking the footway.
• LEAVING IT IN A BUSY PUBLIC PLACE where any would-be thieves are going to be noticed.
• USING A GOOD QUALITY LOCK.  Flimsy locks won't last long in the hands of a thief.  The most determined thief will get through any lock but the stronger the lock, the longer it will take them and the greater the deterrent.  A general guide is that you invest about one-tenth of the value of the bike when buying a lock.
• REPORTING SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOUR.  If you see someone removing bolt-cutters from under their jacket and approaching a locked bike, it probably isn't their bike.  If you say in a loud voice "Are you stealing that bike?" there is a good chance they will leg-it.  Even if you don't fancy that, you can report it to the police on 0345 123 33 33 or anonymously on Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.

Other things to consider:

• INSURANCE.  Some home contents policies cover cycles when away from home; some don't.  Check what level of cover you have.  You might want to consider taking out a separate cycle policy.
• MARKING YOUR BIKE.  There are a number of methods of marking your bike (such as stamping or engraving) so that it can be returned to you if found.