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Bike thefts 'on the increase'

The number of bicycles stolen in the UK has increased by ten per cent in the last year, according to new research.

A study by Halifax Home Insurance found that 438,000 bikes are stolen each year at a rate of one theft in every 71 seconds.

While 89 per cent of the stolen bikes had been locked up in a public place, ten per cent were not and just one per cent was stolen from within the victim's property.

This has prompted the firm to warn consumers to make sure their bikes are covered by their home insurance if they are in a public place.

Vicky Emmott, spokesperson for Halifax Home Insurance, commented: "With the majority of thefts coming from bikes that have been placed under lock and key, it may be worth considering spending a little more money for a high security lock that might stand a better chance of deterring a thief."

She added that the increase in thefts is partly due to the increased popularity of cycling in Britain, motivated by initiatives such as the government’s cycle to work scheme.

This follows earlier research from the firm which found that a quarter of British adults have fallen victim to a robbery in a public place over the last five years, with more than £8.3 billion worth of possessions being stolen.

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27/04/2007 16:25:07

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