Stop someone taking your bike for a ride

List your bike's details properly so if it is stolen and then found, the police can trace it back to you.

LOCK IT
Always lock your bike when you leave it, even if you're just popping into a shop for a minute. It's better to fit a D-shaped shackle lock recommended by your bicycle dealer or the police rather than a padlock and chain.
Wherever possible, you should lock your bike to something solid like a lamp-post or railings. If your wheels come off easily, remove the front wheel and lock it to the frame and back wheel, using a second lock if necessary.

LIST IT
The police recover thousands of stolen bicycles every year. But most of them have to be auctioned simple because there's no way of knowing who the owners are. You should make a written record of your bike's description as soon as you buy it. Then keep it safe with your other personal documents, so you can hand it to the police if your bicycle is stolen. Take a clear colour photo of your bike and attach it to a descriptive form (which are available from police stations).
Ask your bicycle dealer to stamp your postcode on your bike frame and attach a Coded Cycle sticker to warn off thieves.

You should note the following details:

• Name
• Address
• Make/Model
• Type (gents/ladies/sports/mountain/BMX etc)
• Frame Number
• Position of number on frame
• Frame colour/s
• Frame size
• Wheel size
• Tyres (make/colour)
• Gears (make/type/number)
• Position of gear controls
• Handlebar type (standard/straight/drop/mountain)
• Accessories (lights/reflectors/chain guard/carriers/bell/toeclips/speedo/pump/tools/etc)
• Special features which help to identify it (stickers/badges/marks/repairs/damage)