Bike theft

Follow these crime prevention tips to keep your bike safe when you store it in public.

Prevent bike theft

There are steps you can take to best protect your bike when you are out and about.

Lock your bike to keep it safe

Lock up your bike securely in public places to prevent it from being stolen.

• Use a good quality lock. The best lock is a D or U lock.
• Even if you are leaving your bicycle in a secure facility or locked cage area, ensure it is secured with a quality lock.
• Lock the frame and wheels to the parking infrastructure with one or more locks, especially if your wheels have quick release mechanisms.
• Check your bicycle can’t be removed or lifted off/over what you’ve locked it to.
• Secure your bicycle frame to something solid, for example a bicycle hoop.

Secure your bike with D-locks

D-locks are the best solution to keep bikes safe from theft compared to cable and most chain locks.

D-locks come in different sizes, strengths and security levels. You should choose one based on where and how long the bike will be parked.

A D-lock requires a heavy-duty cutting tool to remove it if locked. Most D-locks:

• are made of high-quality hardened steel
• can be frame mounted for easy transportation
• include a parabolic shank design (where both sides of the shank need to be cut to break the lock).

Some models include a braided ‘booster’ cable. These are designed to allow the rider to secure both wheels, while the main lock secures the frame.

Contact your local bike shop for more information on different D-Lock models and brands.

Park your bike safely

Choose a secure place to park your bike.

• Park in well lit, public areas.
• If you are using Parkiteer bike cage at a train station, don’t allow anyone to follow you in.
• When parking your bicycle at home, make sure it is securely locked and out of sight.
• Install GPS trackers/tags in a hidden location, for example under the bottle holder.
• Remove all accessories: computers or GoPro units, lights, paniers or baskets, and pumps.

About Parkiteer bike cages

Parkiteer bike cages are a safe, secure and easy way to store your bike while using public transport. They provide a locked caged area for registered Parkiteer users.

You can find Parkiteer bike cages at over 100 Victorian railway stations. They are available to use 24-hours, 7 days a week. To find out more or register, visit the Parkiteer website or call 1300 546 526.

Identify your bike

Mark your bike and keep a record of its details.

• Mark your property with a unique personal code in the top right-hand corner of the item or near to the manufacturer’s serial number. Do not use your ATM PIN.
• Keep a list of serial numbers, model numbers, unique personal code and specific features of your bicycle and accessories. Keep the list in a safe place.
• Take photos of your bike, including identifying features, marks and accessories.

Insure your bike

You can insure your bicycle against theft and damage under your home and/or contents insurance.

Report bike theft

If your bicycle is stolen, report the theft as soon as you can.

This gives police the best opportunity to locate offenders, recover your bike and get it back to you.

You can make a police report by:

• completing an online theft report
• calling the Police Assistance Line on 131 444
• contacting your local police station.

Information to have ready

If your bike is stolen, useful information to have when making a police report is:

• where and when the bicycle was parked
• the make
• the model
• the colour
• its serial number.

Finding the serial number

You can usually find the serial number on the bottom of your bicycle frame. It sits it in the centre of the frame where the pedals meet.

If you can't find the serial number, contact your local bike shop for help.

We recommend all bike owners take note and record their serial numbers in a safe location. You may need this information in the future.

Staying safe as a cyclist

Learn more about how you can stay safe while riding your bike on the road.