Police have issued a warning about a rise in high-value bike thefts from sheds and garages in Bitterne Park, Portswood, Highfield, Weston and Shirley over the last month – and say tracking apps could be advertising your bike’s details and even your address.
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“There are tonnes of ways you can keep your bike safe by properly securing it in a shed or outbuilding,” say police.
“Take a look at your shed and consider how you would break in. It’s worth having a good padlock on the door with no exposed screws. Pay attention to hinges, as these are sometimes easily removable. If you have windows then these could be vulnerable unless they’re secured with wire mesh or grills. And keep it locked at all times.
“Bikes are the number one item stolen from sheds above anything else. Lock your bike to anchor point inside your shed or garage and use a D-lock.
Privacy settings
“Tracking apps like Garmin and Strava give you the option of publishing your ride online, but this can reveal the kind of bike you have and where to find it - your home address. Please consider adjusting your privacy settings.”
There’s further information about how to secure your bike on the Hampshire Constabulary website.