Lock It Or Lose It

Across Britain a motorbike is stolen every seven minutes.

 

 

 

Last year in County Durham approx. 400 bikes were stolen.

 

 

 

This compares with an average of nearly 1000 in previous years before Durham Constabulary started 'BikeWise' and began forming partnerships with motorcycle clubs, local authorities and businesses.

 

 

 

In a bid to further reduce these thefts, Durham Constabulary has launched a sponsored scheme to provide secure motorcycle parking in every town.

 

More are planned for Peterlee, Consett, Chester-le-Street, Seaham and Barnard Castle. 
 

 

Securing Garages and Sheds
 

Most bikes are stolen from garages and sheds, which in turn can be secured for a modest sum. 

 

Alarm your garage by connecting it to the house alarm - or have a 'plug-in' type fitted. The latter costs from £25.

 

 

Install a ground anchor in the garage ... and always use it together with a U-lock or disc lock.

Activate any alarm fitted. 

 

If you can't hear your motorcycle alarm going off, or a thief breaking into your garage or shed, consider installing a baby monitor linking the garage to your bedroom. They cost from £15 and have a 100 metre range. 

 

Outward opening doors are vulnerable and should be fitted with strap hinges secured by coach bolts.

Smooth headed bolts should be used which cannot be undone with a screwdriver or hammer

 

A hasp and staple fitted with a close shackle padlock and coachbolts is an effective way of securing a door. 
 

 

Garage Door Guard Post
 

Standard locks on up-and-over garages are easily overcome. A hasp and staple or five lever mortise deadlock should be fitted

 

 

If a garage is attached to a house ensure the connecting door is as secure as the front door. Fit additional locks

 

 

Include outside security lighting - use compact fluorescent lighting fitted with a dawn to dusk sensor (They only cost £3.50 per year to operate.)

 

 

Garage and shed doors can be additionally protected by using personal attack alarms available from most police stations for approx £6.00.
The main body of the alarm is fixed to one door with the pull cord looped over and fixed to the other door.
You can unhook it when the door is ajar but it goes off if a thief tries to break in.