Protecting your bicycle
Cycling is a popular means of transport both for commuting and exercise across Cambridgeshire, however bicycle crime is a recognised issue in Cambridge with cycle thefts being reported daily.
In 2023, 567 bicycles were reported as stolen to us in Cambridge city centre alone.
Police in Cambridge are working closely with partners across the city to combat theft through bike marking events, education, catching offenders and recovering stolen bikes with proactive patrols.
Read on to learn about how to protect your bike, and what to do if your bike is ever stolen.
Follow these 10 tips to ensure your bike remains safe, secure and not a statistic.
1. Double lock it
Using two locks slows thieves down and makes your bike less of a target. Use two quality locks, at least one of which is a D-lock.
2. Lock the lot
Lock the frame and both wheels to a secure cycle stand.
3. Secure it
Secure your bike as close to the stand as possible to give any thieves little or no room to manoeuvre.
4. Take removable parts with you
Take parts that are easy to remove with you, such as wheels, lights, baskets or the saddle.
5. Park securely
Lock your bike at recognised secure cycle parking. It should be well lit and covered by CCTV.
6. Register it
Register your frame number on a national bike registration database. The frame number is usually found underneath the bike between the pedals or where the back wheel slots in. If your bike is ever stolen and recovered by the police, it can be traced back to you.
7. Mark it
Get your bike security marked. It’s a highly effective, visible deterrent to bike thieves. They know that if they are caught with a registered bike, the owner can be traced and they will be arrested.
8. Remember safety begins at home
Take the same care to lock your bike securely at home as you would on the street.
9. Check ownership
Ask for proof of ownership and check the bike frame number on national bike registration databases.
10. Act fast
If your bike has been stolen, act quickly. The sooner we know, the sooner we can act, which might stop it being sold on.
If you have had your bicycle stolen, here's what we recommend doing:
1. Report it to us ASAP
Tell us about your stolen bicycle using the report button below. (If you don't have online access you can phone 101). It's important that you include the following information in your report:
- Frame number
- Make and model
- Colour
- Any other features that make your bike identifiable (does it have a basket, have you modified it in any way, marks or scratches?)
If your bike has been stolen from a public place and it may be covered by CCTV, please include details of:
the location, the time you placed it there and the time you returned (please be as exact as you can about these), the direction you came from when dropping the bike off, your description (height, build, clothing, whether you were carrying something etc.).
This information is essential to help police confirm which cycle has been stolen and to speed up the review of CCTV footage, so please provide as many details as possible.
Reporting your stolen bicycle online is exactly the same as reporting it on 101. The report will go through to our control room and will be dealt with by call handlers.
Now, leave it with us. We'll investigate your report based on the information you’ve provided and get back to you within 48 hours, either with a crime reference number or, if we can’t take action, an explanation as to why and further advice.
We won't call you unless we need more information, to clarify something in your report or if there might be an opportunity to collect forensic evidence.
3. Check online marketplaces
Find that bike lists adverts for bikes placed on online marketplaces, which you can check frequently to see if yours has been listed for sale.
Adverts are usually placed within 24 hours of the theft but if not, keep looking as they sometimes take a few months to pop up.
Keep an eye on other second-hand selling sites to see if you can spot your bike. If you see it, contact us using your crime reference number.
You can update your report here.
4. Consider utilising online forums
We also recommend visiting and posting on the following forums:
5. If your bike is registered...
If you are a member of a bike registration company, such as BikeRegister, notify them about the theft. These companies will warn potential buyers if someone is trying to sell your bicycle and they put your frame number in.
6. After that..
If you have done all of the above, we will do all we can to reunite you with your bicycle.
All cycle theft is recorded and assessed as to whether or not there is a proportionate line of enquiry to follow that may allow officers to solve the crime. All trends are reviewed and analysed to identify bike-theft hotspots.
If we are unsuccessful in finding your stolen bicycle, make sure you attend one of our free bike marking events if you decide to purchase a new bicycle to ensure it is traceable if it is stolen again.
Registering your bike can deter thieves and, if your bike is stolen, registration can help police return it to its rightful owner. Below are a list of CamCycle's free bike marking events.
- Thursday 25 April 2024, 10am-2pm - Guildhall, Cambridge.
- Wednesday 22 May 2024, 4-8pm - Cambridge Railway Station, Station Road, Cambridge.
- Thursday 20 June 2024, 11am-3pm - Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge.
- Wednesday 24 July 2024, 4-8pm - Cambridge Railway Station, Station Road, Cambridge.
- Thursday 22 August 2024, 11am-3pm - Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge.
- Saturday 21 September 2024, 10am-2pm - Parker’s Piece, Cambridge.
- Wednesday 16 October 2024, 4-8pm - Cambridge Railway Station, Station Road, Cambridge.
- October 2024 - Students week of action – various times and locations.
- Thursday 21 November 2024, 11am-3pm - Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge.
- Saturday 7 December 2024, 10am-2pm - Parker’s Piece, Cambridge.
1. Always wear a helmet
You should wear a cycle helmet that conforms to current regulations, is the correct size and securely fastened. Evidence suggests that a correctly fitted helmet will reduce your risk of sustaining a head injury in certain circumstances.
2. Wear appropriate clothing
You should avoid clothes that may get tangled in the chain, or in a wheel or may obscure your lights when you are cycling.
Light-coloured or fluorescent clothing can help other road users to see you in daylight and poor light, while reflective clothing and/or accessories (belt, arm or ankle bands) can increase your visibility in the dark.
3. Have lights at night
At night your cycle must have white front and red rear lights lit. It MUST also be fitted with a red rear reflector (and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 1/10/85).
White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help you to be seen. Flashing lights are permitted but it is recommended that cyclists who are riding in areas without street lighting use a steady front lamp.
4. Familiarise yourself with the highway code
The Highway code provides rules that legally 'must' be followed and advice that 'should' be followed to keep cyclists safe on the roads.
A breach of these rules is a criminal offence and can be used as evidence in both criminal and civil proceedings.
Rules for lights and brakes are examples of two areas that have legal requirements. Other rules concern cycling whilst unfit through drinks and drugs or careless and dangerous cycling.
Find out more about the Highway code rules for cyclists.
1. Follow our bike protection tips
Keep your bicycle safe and out of the hands of thieves by following the tips at the top of this page.
2. Don’t knowingly buy a stolen bike
If you're buying a second-hand bike, always ask for the frame number so you can check it against online registration sites to see if it has been reported as stolen.
3. Report cycle theft to the police
If you see someone stealing a bike, this is a ‘crime in action’ and you should dial 999.
If you have other information about the theft of a cycle you should report it to us online using the button below.