How to Prevent Bike Theft: (20 Simple Bike Prevention Tips)

Whether riding a brand-spanking new carbon fiber bicycle or an old clunker, getting your bike stolen is never fun. While some homeowners’ or renters’ insurance does insure stolen bikes, this doesn’t completely absolve the wound of having your bike stolen. 

Fortunately, most bicycle theft can be completely avoided. This guide will cover the best prevention tips to prevent getting your bike stolen. Even if it does get stolen, you can have technologies in place to help you recover it before it’s too late. 

20 Simple Prevention Tips to Prevent Bike Theft 

It’s not only expensive bikes that are stolen. Any bike left out in the public eye can be stolen. However, a bike that is difficult to steal won’t fall prey to hungry bike thieves looking to make a quick buck off the property. 

1. Get the Right Type of Lock 

The most obvious place to begin is to ensure your bike is actually locked. Choosing the right bike lock can help you maximize security and prevent thefts from smashing your locks. 

Here are the most common types of locks: 

• D-Lock (U-lock): These look like big padlocks and are quite strong and reliable. It features a u-shaped steel shackle, and when joined with the locking device, a D-shape is formed. They’re designed for locking fixed boundaries but also can be used on quick-release components or secure wheels. 
• Chain lock: This is a metal chain link connected by a padlock, which can withstand damage caused by lock-pickers and impact. It offers a great visual deterrent and can be looped around any bike. 
• Cable locks: These are locks with pliable and adaptive characteristics. They are lightweight and extremely portable. Unfortunately, they can be cut by bolt-cutters and are most at risk of being broken. 
• Folding locks: It’s constructed of metal plates, which are able to rotate, giving them the ability to bind around all types of objects. It takes up little space; however, it may not work after a partial attack. 

While it’s not the most portable, the D-lock is the best lock to choose for security. Their strength and compatibility with all types of bikes can prevent bike thieves looking to break into locks. 

2. Properly Lock Your Bike 

Even the most secure D-lock won’t be helpful if it’s not properly utilized. When locking your bike, it’s important that the lock passes through the frame and then through the rear wheel and the front wheel last. Always limit the amount of leverage a thief can generate, so buy one that can pass through as many components as possible. 

The most secure way to lock your bicycle is with two locks and preferably to a bike rack firmly cemented into the ground. The first lock will go around the rear wheel, frame, and bike rack. The second lock will go around the front wheel, frame, and bike rack as well. As a result, the frame is secured in both wheels that are secured to the frame and rack. 

Sometimes you may even want to use two different lock types since that requires thieves to carry two types of lock-breaking tools. We recommend combining the D-lock with a chain lock. Anytime you go to a somewhat risky place, especially when leaving it overnight, it’s important to use multiple locks. 

3. Know Where to Lock Your Bike 

Where you lock, your bike is sometimes just as important as how you lock it. When locking your bicycle in the street, try to find a well-lit area with CCTV cameras nearby. Always lock your bike in the middle of other bikes and secure it to a fixed and immovable object like a bike rack. A bike parked in an alleyway is much more likely to be taken than one in a busy town center. 

4. Take Your Bike Inside to Prevent Theft 

Of course, the most effective and obvious way to secure your bicycle is by taking it inside. Taking your bike up the stairs or elevator can potentially save you thousands of dollars in buying a new bicycle once it’s stolen. However, this only applies when you’re at home since most public areas won’t allow parking your bike indoors.

Additionally, many bicycles have detachable tires or seats as a security feature. These can be instant taken inside and removed while you’re at home or work. While this isn’t a foolproof way to deter bike theft, it certainly prevents someone from riding off with your bicycle.

5. Set Up a Security Camera 

There’s no better way to catch bike thieves than a properly-installed high-quality security camera. It scares off most thieves and instantly notifies you before a bike theft crime occurs. Even if they do manage to steal your bike, you can find your bicycle before they go too far. 

Not to mention, the footage captured is admissible in court as evidence. It’s easy for a criminal to deny or deflect allegations. When filing a police report, having uncut raw footage will show undeniable evidence. 

6. Use an Anti-Theft GPS Bike Tracker 

A bicycle theft tracking device has a GPS chip built into its handlebars and can be hidden within your bike handlebars, seat post, or frame or even disguised as a reflector. Most bike trackers have been designed to fit into specific areas, such as fitting within the handlebars or becoming incognito by doubling as a bike light. 

As long as the bike theft doesn’t disable it, the tracking device is the perfect solution. The police can track your bike and arrest the individual who stole it. There are many popular GPS bike tracker brands, such as Spybike and Sherlock. 

The key to GPS bicycle tracks is that they can’t be identified and removed by a thief; otherwise, they won’t be very useful. Many trackers will allow you to see your bicycle’s locations on a mobile app so that you can send a report to the police and act immediately. 

7. Register Your Bike 

Registering your bike ensures it has a serial number, a unique identifier letting you track the bike. The police can easily track your bike in case of theft or if you are involved in an accident. With the serial number alone, the police can track whether the bike was sold and where it was sold. The serial number also identifies the make, model, and year of the bike. 

Not to mention, when the police do find your bike, you’re able to prove that the bike does belong to you. The police will check your bike’s details against online databases to recover the owner’s information. 

While there are online services that can register your bike, the best way is to go to your local DMV. You’ll need the required documents, such as proof of ownership (bill of sale) and a valid form of identification. You may also need to show proof of residency. Then you’ll complete the registration form at the DMV before you receive a registration sticker and serial number. 

8. Move It Regularly 

Regularly moving your bike is another great security precaution. Seeing your bike in the same place every day, especially during certain hours, will give a potential thief a better idea of when they might be able to steal it. It is unlikely that someone will know it will be unattended for several hours if you lock it up somewhere different every time.

9. Check Your Bike Often 

Regularly check your bike. It can take anywhere from minutes to around a day for a stolen bike to be sold. You will know much sooner if your bike gets stolen if you check it every couple of hours. 

If someone is casing your bike while you check it, it may prevent theft from happening. With a smartphone security camera installed, you can also keep an eye on your bike from anywhere.

10. Take Your Valuables 

Bike thieves don’t just want your expensive bike. They love stealing other valuables and accessories that you have. That goes without saying that it’s important always to take your valuables and not leave them when parked. 

You can also add modifications like a locking system for your wheels and a seat clamp for added security. If you have an e-bike, don’t leave your keys inside the battery. Try to bring the key and the battery with you, so they can’t operate the bike without it. 

11. Use Cover Alarms 

Getting a bike alarm will give you peace of mind when you park your bicycle outside. A loud alarm that triggers will prevent thieves from riding off with your precious bike. Many alarms work with your lock, so it’s important to get a good alarm and lock combo. 

Ensure the alarm is loud enough, meaning it’s over 100 decibels so that people can hear it from afar. Also, go with high-pitched alarms rather than ones that only beep a few times and go into standby mode. 

Ensure the alarm has a long battery life to work in most situations. Some can be less for over a month without needing to recharge. Alarms can have additional features like GPS tracking and emergency SMS texting or come with their own lock combo. 

12. Take Pictures of Your Bike to Prove Ownership 

Every time you add customizations to your bike, or even after you make your purchase, always take photos of your ride. Take photos of the unique features your bike has. For example, you might have funky grips or bar tape, or colored tires. Maybe you even have distinct dents or markings, which make your bike stand out from others. 

These photos will act as receipts to prove it’s yours. If your bike does get stolen, you may have a greater chance of recovering it since the police or local citizens can better identify your bike among the crowd. Since thieves will repaint the frame after stealing it, don’t rely on the frame color. 

Replacing standard accessories or components with something unique, like colored bolts or bespoke wheels, can make your bike unique. Adding any personalizations and taking photos of them will improve the odds of recovery in case it’s stolen. 

13. Add an Identifiable Security Mark 

Since thieves typically paint the bike frame once it’s stolen, etching your initial onto the bike’s seat post can help people identify it. Purchase a bike marking kit that lets you add security marking to the bike, only visible when using UV light. 

Additionally, you can get custom stickers or write your details with a sharpie. There are even UV ink pens that let you mark your bike. These invisible ink markings are recommended by insurance companies and police since thieves are unaware they exist. 

14. Check for Bike Lock Manufacturers with Compensation Plans 

Some bike lock brands, such as Onguard and Kryptonite, provide compensation to cyclists who have their bikes stolen while secured with their branded locks. For example, Kryptonite has an anti-theft protection offer that reimburses customers for a set monetary value in case their bike is stolen due to breaking or opening their lock by force. However, make sure to receive the specific terms and conditions to avoid disappointment.

This shouldn’t be counted as bike insurance, but it can help you to retrieve additional compensation in case your ride is taken. 

15. Use Ground Anchors for Home Bike Security 

A ground anchor is a highly secure point embedded in the ground or wall that you can lock your bicycle to. They can be concreted or bolted into the wall or floor to ensure the perfect immovable base to attach your bike. Once you’ve drilled the holes and screwed in the ground anchor, you have a fixed point you can lock your bike using a D-lock, cable, or chain. 

Before you even think about getting a state-of-the-art bike, make sure to have something highly secure to fasten it to. The bike anchor can erase your worries by offering an impenetrable, versatile form of protection. You can never be too careful, especially when it comes to your expensive valuable possessions like your prized bike. 

16. Don’t Tell the World About Your New Bike 

In the age of social media, any stalker can find out what kind of bike you have, your location, and other personal details about you. Sharing endless photos or advertising your new bike will only grab the attention of professional thieves. 

This also includes sharing your locations on various apps, so be sure to keep your privacy settings on. Some thieves may even hang around in bike community forums or groups, so make sure never to share too much detail about your bike or your whereabouts online. 

17. Use a Disc Lock for Added Protection 

A disc lock is a wheel lock that locks the wheel and prevents it from moving. You may even consider a handlebar lock since it locks the brake lever and blocks the wheels from moving. 

What makes the disc lock advantageous is that they’re compact and easier to carry around compared to other lock types. Bikers can easily secure their bikes on the go and bring them on rides. 

Having high-quality locks can even help you save money on bike insurance. Using an extra layer of protection like a disc lock can sometimes unlock discounts on your premium from insurance companies. 

18. Never Leave Your Bike Out Overnight 

It might be tempting to leave your bike outside since it’s easier than lugging it inside. However, that’s the worse thing you can do. Thieves can easily hide at night and not get caught when breaking locks. Even if your bike is locked to a secured rack, they can use tools to cut through it and ride off with your bike. If your bike is far away, even the alarm won’t be loud enough for you to stop the thief in time. 

19. Remove the Battery for E-Bikes 

Components for e-bikes can be expensive. Batteries and other parts can be stolen. Some thieves may purposely wreck the frame of the electric bike to salvage only the valuable parts or accessories to resell in the marketplace. The battery is one of the more expensive components of the bike, and thieves won’t be able to ride off with it when the battery is removed. 

20. Add Security Skewers for Seats and Wheels 

It’s not always your entire bike that gets stolen. Wheels and seats are lucrative targets for bike thieves, so it’s important to bolt down any removable parts as well. 

Security skewers make it difficult for thieves to tamper with your wheels since they require a uniquely designed Allen key to undo them. Also, fill the skewered head with glue so it’s not easily released. This adds an extra layer of protection. 

Anti-theft seat clamps can secure your bike seat. Make sure to use a locking seat clamp or a non-quick-release seat clamp. They require tools to remove the saddle since it needs an Allen key or tools to take off the nuts and bolts. This makes it much more challenging to remove than a quick-release clamp.

Locking clamps add more protection since they require manufacturer-specific equipment to release the lamp, so thieves may not even attempt to take your bike. 

How to Recover a Stolen Bike

Knowing how to recover your stolen bike is just as crucial as trying to prevent it from happening. The first order of business is to contact the police to file a report. Knowing your bike’s serial number will come in handy, so if they do find the bike, they’ll have evidence that it belongs to you. Next, if your bike is insured, contact your insurance company to file the claim process. 

Make sure to share details and images of the stoke bike to allow the police to help you find it. There are some websites that can alert you of your stolen bike. For example, you can receive daily alerts from eBay about makes or models that have been listed. 

This will let you keep an eye out for thieves trying to sell it on the open market. If you see your bicycle on eBay, you can report it to the police. Other apps like OfferUp and Letgo are hotspots for stolen bikes, so make sure to keep your eyes out on these marketplaces. 

Additionally, set up Google alerts with the necessary information matching your bike. If your bike does turn up for sale, you’ll be immediately notified. And if you live in a big city with a bike community, there may be bike recovery groups on Facebook where the community can notify you if they see the bike around. 

You can also make the rounds of second-hand stores and pawn shops in your area to see if someone has tried to sell your bike. If the bike was already resold, the documentation of the police report and proof of ownership could ensure you’re entire to recovering your bike through state law. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Here are the most commonly asked questions about bike theft: 

Does renters insurance cover bike theft? 

If your bicycle does get stolen, all hope isn’t lost. Basic renters or homeowners insurance typically lets you receive reimbursement for a stolen bike along with other anti-theft accessories you’ve lost when you file a claim. Typically, you’ll need to provide your insurer with proof of ownership along with a police report to verify the loss.  

The claim amount depends on whether you cost actual cash value or replacement cost cover. ACD will pay for the depreciated value of your bike, while replacement cost pays for a new bike of a similar model. 

Some insurances allow you to buy additional coverage for your bike, which may provide coverage for accidental damage. That usually isn’t covered under the base policy. Also, with this extra coverage, the claim you file will be deductible free. If you own an e-bike, ensure the insurance covers it within their plan. 

Is bike insurance necessary? 

For many cyclists, the coverage offered by renters or homeowners insurance will be enough. Therefore, bike insurance isn’t necessary. However, it can be a good option if: 

• You don’t have renters or homeowners insurance 
• Your bike costs more than the existing coverage limits on the renter’s or homeowner’s insurance policy 
• You cycle competitively 
• You have step deductibles or low limits on your health insurance. 

With basic renters or homeowners insurance, your stolen bike will be covered as personal property. Personal property coverage reimburses you up to the total coverage limit amount minus the deductible. 

However, personal property coverage may have been submitted, meaning the insurance can only pay a set amount for specific valuables like bikes, jewelry, antiques, etc. Check the submit for bikes to know whether it’s fully covered when it’s stolen. If the coverage is too low, you may want to get bike insurance instead. 

Is bike theft impossible to prevent? 

Unfortunately, there’s no foolproof strategy to prevent bike theft. However, there are plenty of preventative measures to help discourage and make stealing your bike difficult. If your bike is stolen, you can also track it immediately. 

Here are some recommendations to prevent bike theft: 

• Use high-quality locks and double-lock your bike to an immovable object 
• Register your bike and write down your serial number 
• Ensure your insurance has a bike theft policy 
• Keep original bills of purchase for your bicycle and significant accessories 
• Consider installing a bike alarm and hidden tracker device 

Should you do self-insurance for insuring your bike? 

If you don’t like the idea of paying a monthly fee to protect your bike, there is the self-insurance option. It works by setting aside a small amount of money every week or month in the event your bike is stolen. Therefore, you’ll have a reasonable amount saved up to help with buying a replacement. 

Self-insurance is a great option in the event your bike never gets stolen. If you always lock your bike properly and follow the prevention tips above, chances are the odds of your bike getting taken are quite low. Therefore, you won’t be throwing money away from paying bike insurance. Of course, if you’re already paying renters or home insurance, then self-insurance may not be needed. 

Self-insurance is particularly useful if your bike isn’t very expensive. You’ll be insuring your bike and won’t be pouring tons of money into the insurance plan that may never pan out. Also, you might even end up saving long enough to maintain your bike for longer, add upgrades or afford a nicer bike. 

How can others help you find your bike? 

When your bike is stolen, it’s important to post it online and tell everyone you know to be on the lookout. National databases like Bike Register lets you post your bike so that other bikers can help you find your bike if they see it. 

Make sure to broadcast it on social channels like Facebook and Twitter. It’s best to post online in local resell groups, so sellers can’t post there, or users can report it to you when your bike is discovered. 

Wrapping It Up 

While this isn’t an exhaustive list, these are the primary prevention tips to avoid having your prized road possession stolen. Thieves are less likely to attempt to steal your bike if you implement these security measures. 

Even if you do have your bike stolen, you’ll have suitable insurance and technology in place to track your bike before it’s sold into the black market. 

Once you follow these strategies, you’ll save yourself from the heartache of losing your precious bike. We hope this guide has provided a lot of value and will help you keep your bike for as long as possible.