Datatag UV etching for bicycles: A headache for thieves

Professional thieves like to steal property that's difficult to trace and easy to dispose of - it's the reason that bicycle theft is rife in urban areas. Datatag makes a bicycle much easier to identify, thereby reducing its desirability to thieves. Crucially, the system also makes it easier for the police to secure a conviction - both at the roadside and once a bike has been stripped into parts.

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How does it work?

The Datatag UV Stealth PRO system includes a four etches to permanently mark your frame and forks and a series of micro dots to mark components.

The etches feature a unique code that is visible only when illuminated by a UV torch of the kind carried as standard by British police. The micro dots also include the code and can be glued to every valuable component using a clear, UV glue.

The great advantage of the Datatag system over conventional registration scheme is that the police can check a bicycle at the roadside in seconds. Furthermore, if a person is found in possession of a large number of bicycle parts and the circumstances are suspicious, at present there is little way of determining if they are stolen goods let alone securing a convection. UV and micro dot technology enable the police to bring a prosecution and stolen bicycles and parts to be reunited with their owners.

UV etching is of particular use to owners of carbon frames because these are often sold with a frame number sticker, which are easy to remove by thieves.

Win your own Datatag UV etching system

We have one Datatag UV Stealth PRO system to give away. Simply leave a comment at the bottom of this page and we will pick a name next week.

Protect yourself from bicycle cannibals

Thieves who strip handlebars, saddles and wheels can be described as bike cannibals. As cycle locks have become more robust, this type of thief has taken to pinching shifters, handlebars and even saddles before selling them through online auction sites.

The trouble is, it's hardly practicable or desirable to remove valuable parts from your bike. The prudent approach is to get cycle insurance from a provider that protects against the theft of parts, including quick release saddles and wheels. ETA cycle insurance covers against the theft of quick release parts as standard and does not require that they be secured – as long as the frame of the bike is locked then all parts are covered.

• Invest as much as you can afford in your lock and learn to use it properly – insurers specify that it needs to secure the bike frame for good reason. Don’t worry too much about getting the lock around the wheels or other bike parts as a good insurance policy will cover them against theft whether they are locked or not
• Bike thieves might have the equipment to cut through padlocks and silently remove shed door hinges, but they are unlikely to expect to encounter an alarm One of the most simple and cost effective ways of scaring away bike thieves is to fit a shop bell to the inside of your shed or on the back of the door that leads to your side return if that’s where you store your bike. Alternatively, and for a more high-tech approach, a battery-powered motion sensor alarm can be situated to cover the front door, back door, garage, shed or outbuildings and costs from less than £5 on eBay
• Motion-activated security lights are cheap and easy to install and thieves don’t like them at all
• Make life difficult for thieves - use a UV etching system to help end the trade in stolen bicycle parts

The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK’s most ethical provider.

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