Former Thief Interviewed: How Does Bike Stealing Actually Work? – WeLoveCycling magazine

http://www.welovecycling.com/wide/2016/05/18/former-thief-interviewed-bike-stealing-actually-work/
Former Thief Interviewed: How Does Bike Stealing Actually Work?

<b>How would you prevent your own bike becoming stolen? What are your top tips?</b>

Never use a chain, they’re too easy to snip. Use a small D-lock on front and back wheels. If your lock can be moved about that means the thief’s bolt cutters can get around them, at the right angle they won’t. Stiff D-locks are hard to snip because you need the right angle on the cutters to get the force to close them.

Bike serial numbers can be so easily shaved off, filed and painted over. Serial numbers need to somehow be made more tamper-proof and a bike register needs to be put in place, a bit like cars I think. Only way I see is to get your bike sprayed with a special smart water device which is invisible and is basically like a DNA code on your bike and can only be seen under UV lights.

Trackers, yes they were a worry, but that is why we kept them on the street, if they were found the police would simply just take it back. Secure parking is the worst for putting your bike in. So quiet you can spend time in a secure parking lot without causing suspicion.

tags:bike,bicykel,stealing