UK Bike Theft: Pandemic Surge and Police Advice (BBC)

BBC writes that UK bike thefts rose sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic, with over 96,000 reported in 2019-2020. Victims describe the emotional and financial impact, with many bikes stolen from home garages and sheds. Police recommend using two locks of different types, securing bikes to immovable objects, and registering bikes with national databases. The article highlights the low recovery rate and the frustration of victims, some of whom have been targeted multiple times. Police urge cyclists to invest in good locks, store bikes securely, and report thefts promptly. The piece also covers the challenges of policing bike theft, the scale of organized theft operations, and the importance of community vigilance.