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I wanted to provide you with an update regarding cycle theft, which some members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey. Bicycles and electric bikes are popular items for thieves to steal. Taking the extra time and effort to keep your bicycle secure is well worth it. Make sure it's registered properly and locked when not in use.
Get your bike security marked and registered on a Secured by Design approved bike registration database. Getting your bike security marked and registered is a visible deterrent to bike thieves. They know that if they are caught in possession of a registered bike, the rightful owner can be traced instantly and they will be arrested.
Visit www.securedbydesign.com for details about security marking products and databases
Record details of your bike. Frame number (normally found underneath the bike between the pedals or where the back wheel slots in), security marking number, other distinguishing features, and take a photo.
Use Sold Secure Gold standard locks as a minimum. Locks tested to Powered Cycle Diamond within the Sold Secure range even have resistance to small angle grinders.
Use two different types of lock, with at least one being a high quality D-lock. It takes thieves a few seconds to cut through poor quality locks - make it as difficult for them as possible - two different locks may require two different tools to break.
Lock the frame and both wheels to a purpose built cycle parking stand - not a railing.
Make the locks and bike hard to manoeuvre. Secure your bike as close to the stand as possible. Try not to leave any slack chain or lock on the ground, this allows thieves to smash the lock with a hammer against the ground.
Take parts that are easy to remove with you. For example, saddles and wheels. Or use locking skewers, which can increase security by securing the bike's components to the frame permanently, making it difficult for thieves to steal parts such as saddle or wheels.
Lock your bike at recognised secure cycle parking. It should be well lit and covered by CCTV, overlooked by buildings and with plenty of passers-by.
Take the same care to lock your bike securely at home. Bikes get stolen from inside the home, communal hallways, gardens and sheds.
Don't buy a stolen second-hand bike. Insist on proof of ownership and check the bike frame number an approved bike registration database. Never meet a seller in the street, insist on a home address.
If your bike has been stolen, contact the police. Give them your frame number, any security marking number, photo and any other details. You can also register your bike with its frame number retrospectively as stolen on an approved bike registration database.
 If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.met.police.uk/, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101. Get Involved Please consider getting involved and contribute to the local priority survey, we may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on. Take a few minutes to securely and privately register and have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you. 
Please click here to complete the survey
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