Britain’s Biggest Bike Theft 'Hotspots' Revealed

Riders who have bike insurance policies who want to avoid having their premiums increased because they claim on their policy are being advised to take extra safety precautions in securing their vehicles. With Britain seeing brighter days this year, the number of British travelling on two wheels is expected to soar. As with the recession is leaving more people across Britain strapped for cash, an increase in bike thefts is expected to follow. Bike thieves working efficiently during crunch According to Government figures, 300,000 bikes are stolen each year throughout the country. Recent research from an insurance provider has revealed shocking figures of the "efficiency and expertise" of bike thieves. The insurance provider, More Than, conducted a test which studied 10 of the major cities in the UK, to see how long it takes thieves to ride off with an unlocked bike. The aim of the test was to highlight the importance of securing a bike properly. It revealed that the biggest hotspot for bike theft is in south-east London, where bikers are more likely to have their bike stolen compared to any other major city in Britain. A bike lasted for just 17 minutes before being stolen at the London Bridge railway station. Glasgow came second where the bike stood unlocked for an hour and 30 minutes before being stolen, while Birmingham - which came third, the bike was stolen after one hour and 55 minutes. Bike theft hotspots continue Cardiff was named the fourth biggest hotspot at two hours and 10 minutes, followed by Portsmouth at two hours and 12 minutes. Newcastle was next at two hours and 25 minutes, with Norwich following at two hours and 34 minutes. According to official figures from the government, Norfolk, Norwich has seen an average of six bikes stolen each day for the past 12 years. Michael Dale, the chair of Norwich Cycling Campaign, said: "People do need to make sure their bike is secure before they leave it, but there are also too few cycling racks in Norwich. "Norwich is one of the poorest places for cycle provision, and if we want people to get on their bikes and come into Norwich to do their shopping, that needs to be improved." Manchester came eighth at two hours and 57 minutes followed by Bristol and Liverpool where thieves took over three hours to get their hands on the bikes. Bike insurance essential Pete Markey, the marketing director of More Than said: "The experiment has shown us that it doesn't matter who you are or where you live, if you don't take the necessary precautions, it's only a matter of time before your bike is stolen." He stated that bikers should pay close attention to keeping their bikes secured when leaving it unattended and advised them to make sure they take out insurance in the event of having their bike stolen. He said: "It really does make sense then to ensure your bike is secured properly to an immovable object before you leave it unattended, and to think about taking out insurance cover just in case the worst should happen."