Bicycle parts stolen by ‘bike cannibals’

Cambridgeshire police have described thieves who strip handlebars, saddles and wheels as bike cannibals.

They suggest cyclists carry parts with them when they secure their bikes in public, but since that isn’t always practicable or desirable, the alternative is to get cycle insurance from a provider that protects against the theft of parts, including quick release saddles and wheels. ETA cycle insurance covers against the theft of quick release parts as standard and does not require that they be secured – as long as the frame of the bike is locked then all parts are covered.

Each summer, the number of cyclists on the roads reaches a peak as bikes that spend the rest of the year languishing in sheds get dusted off and most bikes are bought new and used for the first time. Unfortunately, it all makes for rich pickings for cycle thieves.

Bike thieves target particular cycle racks at particular times. If stealing from your shed or side of your house, they will overlook other valuable items in favour of a bike. From a thief’s perspective, it’s pretty much the perfect crime; most bicycles are easy to steal, difficult to trace and a breeze to sell on. Having a bicycle stolen is at best an inconvenience, but it’s also demoralising and if the bike is not covered by insurance, it can push a victim to give up on cycling for good.

•  Invest as much as you can afford in your lock and learn to use it properly  – insurers specify that it needs to secure the bike frame for good reason. Don’t worry too much about getting the lock around the wheels or other bike parts as a good insurance policy will cover them against theft whether they are locked or not.
• Bike thieves might have the equipment to cut through padlocks and silently remove shed door hinges, but they are unlikely to expect to encounter an alarm. One of the most simple and cost effective ways of scaring away bike thieves is to fit a shop bell to the inside of your shed or on the back of the door that leads to your side return if that’s where you store your bike. Alternatively, and for a more high-tech approach, a battery-powered motion sensor alarm can be situated to cover the front door, back door, garage, shed or outbuildings and costs from less than £5 on eBay.
• Motion-activated security lights are cheap and easy to install and thieves don’t like them at all.

The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK’s most ethical provider.