Don’t get any advice from the police. They released their top tips a few months ago and basically they said, a) don’t buy an expensive bike, buy something cheap – apparently the best quality of bike does not make up for its attractiveness to thieves.
This is the best advice you can get, tbh. I’d agree with that, based on 23+ years of commuting in London. If you wanna find your bike still there when you come back, then the scabbier it looks, the less attractive it is to thieves. This is common sense. If you want to leave your £1500 bike locked up in a public places, then just face the reality that it will be a target, and even if it’s not nicked it may well be stripped.
Course it’s not nice, but it’s the reality. I use a scabby old hybrid skip rescue bike, to buzz about on. If it does get nicked, I’m not crying too much cos it’s only cost me £50 or so. Actually the lock probbly cost more. 😮
Is there REALLY an increase of bike-jacking incidents??
Sadly, there have been spates of such crime in certain areas, but limited to the roughest parts of London really. Being aware of your surroundings and potential dangers can reduce risk of getting robbed, but the same with anything; iPhones, laptops etc. Stick to busy streets and avoid rough areas. Again, if your bike is scabby, then you’re far less likely to attract such attention.
Ah, Elfin. I’m only joking mate, sorry about all that footy stuff the other day, you seem like a nice fellow really.
GG; I don’t take any of it seriously, I just like a good argue now and then. 😀
Bradford you say? One of me favourite places outside London, innit? Is one most beautiful place in World….