Cycle theft soaring as one bike is stolen 'every 65 seconds'
Date: 12/05/2008 12:00:00
Cycle theft in the UK is soaring with a bike now stolen every 65 seconds, according to one home insurer.
New figures from Halifax Home Insurance claim that each theft costs the victim an average of £337.
Experts at the company also reportedly said many people are failing to make a claim on their home insurance policies
after the thefts and are not bothering to inform police.
David Rochester of Halifax Home Insurance said he encouraged anyone "who experiences bike crime to report it to
the police. Otherwise, they could miss the opportunity to make a claim."
He added the 65-second statistic was "shocking" and added many thefts involved bikes which were locked up,
underlining the need for quality high-security locks.
Home insurance providers also encourage anyone purchasing a new bike to check that it is covered by their
home insurance
policy in the event of it being stolen.
Locks made of tool-hardened steel and U-shaped bar locks are among devices recommended for lessening the chances of
bikes being stolen while left unattended.