How do thieves steal bicycles?

A few years back, Kryptonite suffered a bout of bad PR when it was alleged its D-Locks could be opened with a modified Bic Biro. The episode called into question the efficacy of many cylindrical-lock products, however in reality most thieves don’t have the time, patience or skill to pick locks – they prefer to cut, freeze or smash them.

A well-equipped and determined bicycle thief can defeat most designs of lock within minutes and with many bikes now worth thousands on the second-hand market, the crime is rife. And when a thief is unable to remove a lock, it is not uncommon for him to vandalise the bike or simply steal parts. Thieves in London this spring have taken to stealing handlebars from road bikes. Once a few control cables are severed, they walk away with bars and shifters worth hundreds of pounds.

The advent of powerful cordless angle grinders and brazen attitude from thrives who use mopeds to escape from police make no bike parked in public safe from a determined criminal. Occasionally, the approach is more subtle - thieves cut a section from a Sheffield stand and cover the damage with tape or a rubber sleeve. They return every so often and harvest any bikes without the need for any tools. The lesson is that even stoutest lock is no replacement for a good cycle insurance policy. Cycle insurance from the ETA includes the theft of parts.

Deter the opportunistic thief

They say that every bicycle weighs the same. A lightweight (and by extension, expensive) bike requires a heavy lock whereas its cheap and cheerful cousin (which weighs more) can make do with a lighter version.

If you own a lightweight road bike it's likely you often ride without any lock at all, but what to do when you stop for a coffee or a loo break? Hoping to solve this particular conundrum is the Z LOK.

While the Z LOK might look similar to a conventional zip tie, it incorporates a stainless steel band to deter the opportunistic thief.

We know it's stating the obvious, but the Z LOK is not rated by Sold Secure and, as such, its use as a primary lock will render your cycle insurance policy void. Its purpose is to deter opportunistic thieves when the bike is within your sight.

Win a pair of Z LOK zip ties

We have a pair of Z LOK zip ties worth £15 to give away. Leave us a message at the bottom of the page and we will draw a winner at random.

{{cta-cycling}}