Don’t be taken for ride... lock it or lose it!

With the arrival of lighter evenings and the prospect of more people springing back into their saddles, four community safety partnerships (Guildford, Surrey Heath, Waverley and Woking) are working together to warn cyclists not to be taken for a ride and to lock it or lose it!

Cycling is a great way to get out and about. It’s not only good for your health, but also beneficial for your bank balance and the local environment.  Whilst most of us recognise the benefits of cycling, whether it’s commuting to work or popping down to the shops to pick up some groceries, cycle thefts are common and increase during the spring and summer months.

Mark Saunders, Crime Reduction Advisor for Woking at Surrey Police, warned: "You might only be leaving your bike for a matter of minutes, but that is all it takes for someone to steal it."

"Determined thieves have been known to remove road signs in order to lift a bike off a post, so cycle stands are a lot more secure," continued Mark Saunders. "Cyclists should also avoid leaving their bikes in quiet streets, where a bike thief could have time to cut through locks undisturbed. If you use the bicycle stands, which are in busy streets in the town centre, you have the benefit of people watching your bike. We would urge members of the public to contact the police if they suspect anyone is tampering with a bike."

To help you keep your two-wheeled warrior safe and stop opportunist thieves in their tracks, read our top tips to assess your current bike security measures and, if required, move them up a gear.