London bike theft levels
Discussion
Having to spend a day in the city shortly I'm almost tempted to take the GS rather than endure the horrors of public transport. If I stick a disclock on it and park in London Wall car park is there a decent chance it will still be there at the end of the working day?
Finsbury circus has a bike park which would be very convenient but that's probably far too risky these days.
Finsbury circus has a bike park which would be very convenient but that's probably far too risky these days.
Before I left London I only ever had 1 bike nicked in 20 years and that's because I left it on a secluded quiet side road too long (days) with only a d lock type lock on the wheel.
I would say take a thick chain or similar, I've always put the biggest bike chain i can carry on when parking anywhere in London and preferably chain to something, as all you can do is deter the theiving scum best you can.
I would say take a thick chain or similar, I've always put the biggest bike chain i can carry on when parking anywhere in London and preferably chain to something, as all you can do is deter the theiving scum best you can.
Edited by NAnut on Sunday 19th April 01:31
Have commuted into London 3 or 4 days a week for ages. Most recently I have parked off Chancery Lane, but previously used the London Wall carpark you are referring to (2016 speed triple at that time). Never had a problem. If you have a chain and arrive early enough at London Wall you should be able to chain up to the railings, but I usually just used a disk lock. I think scooters are a higher theft risk.
Austin Prefect said:
Having to spend a day in the city shortly I'm almost tempted to take the GS rather than endure the horrors of public transport. If I stick a disclock on it and park in London Wall car park is there a decent chance it will still be there at the end of the working day?
Finsbury circus has a bike park which would be very convenient but that's probably far too risky these days.
I work on London Wall and ride in 3 times a week. I'm lucky now as my office has underground parking but I did use the London Wall car park for many months. It's pretty safe. It's underground so a casual wrong un won't see it, it has a huge motorcycle parking area which is free and there are steel bars that you can chain your bike to. Most reassuringly there is a security kiosk in there, right next to the bike parking area which is manned during the day. So, get in there and park as close to the kiosk as you can. I'd guess it's a safe as you can get in London and I had no problem. There's bikes in there covered in dust that have clearly been there a very long time! Just swerve around the barrier at the entrance as it won't lift for bikes, but bike parking is free.Finsbury circus has a bike park which would be very convenient but that's probably far too risky these days.
I left a Triumph Tiger in Minories car park (just to the north of Tower Bridge) almost every day for several years. It was quite new and shiny when I started parking there. Never had an issue. Even left the keys hanging out the keyhole of the top box one day, was thankfully still there when I got back!
Obviously thefts are quite high compared to most of the rest of the country, but you still have to be quite unlucky to have it nicked. Especially if it’s a rare thing to have to park there.
Obviously thefts are quite high compared to most of the rest of the country, but you still have to be quite unlucky to have it nicked. Especially if it’s a rare thing to have to park there.
It's bizarre this isn't common knowledge amongst motorcyclists but motorcycle theft is out of control across the country.
Do not park your bike up in London with a s
t disk lock and expect it to be there when you return.
Litelok X3 or similar or you might as well call your insurance company now.
Do not park your bike up in London with a s
t disk lock and expect it to be there when you return.Litelok X3 or similar or you might as well call your insurance company now.
I park in there or on the street near the office. So far never had a problem with just a disk lock. I was in 4 days this week. It's full of builders at the moment too so the scrotes are less likely to have a go. As a result of the building work you need to enter via the entrance @ EC2V 7HR, although a lot of bikesare entering via the exit ramps... A few GSs are parked in there. Chuck a cover over it , there are plenty of structures to lock the bike to.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/wC6cC2HC2eBUzSsJ8?g_st=ac
https://maps.app.goo.gl/wC6cC2HC2eBUzSsJ8?g_st=ac
I don't think the bike theft thing has much to do with the type of security fitted. it doesn't matter how big your chain is they cut through it in seconds with an angle grinder.
the professional gangs are stealing the bikes they want based on model and I don't think they have much regard for level of security. what I mean is they're not going to often take a bike they don't want just because it hasn't got a chain on it or a disc lock.
I parked my bike regularly in both Paddington and chancery lane for years. I was lucky that the parking was in full view of my office and I regularly used to see bike gangs on scooters come to the motorcycle parking and ride by checking out the bikes. mine was just parked up on its side stand with no extra security apart from the steering lock but because it wasn't a model they were interested in it never had any action.
I never actually saw them steal a bike which convinced me they would definitely looking for a particular type of bike or scooter on any given day.
the professional gangs are stealing the bikes they want based on model and I don't think they have much regard for level of security. what I mean is they're not going to often take a bike they don't want just because it hasn't got a chain on it or a disc lock.
I parked my bike regularly in both Paddington and chancery lane for years. I was lucky that the parking was in full view of my office and I regularly used to see bike gangs on scooters come to the motorcycle parking and ride by checking out the bikes. mine was just parked up on its side stand with no extra security apart from the steering lock but because it wasn't a model they were interested in it never had any action.
I never actually saw them steal a bike which convinced me they would definitely looking for a particular type of bike or scooter on any given day.
Edited by A993LAD on Friday 17th April 21:49
Not bikes , but I’ve had 2 cars stolen from hospital car parks whilst I was visiting a relative & a friend , and a car stolen from a staff car park at a hotel so not sure it matters where you park these days , the cctv at the hotel showed the back of a bloke in a suit breaking into the car , guest ? .
Bikes , my mate brought a r1 brand new , £10,000 , he told the insurance it was parked in the hallway of his terraced side street house , one night he decided to leave it outside chained to a lamppost , in the morning it was gone , never seen again , ins investigated and apparently visited his neighbours who when asked where he parked the bike said it was sometimes chained to the lamppost , other times they assumed it was in house , totally unaware of the consequences of what they’d told the ins , ins refused to pay out , he’d not long got divorced so went out & brought another r1 with some of the proceeds of the divorce settlement , he then rented a garage .
I’d of been devastated , £10,000 lost just like that , but he didn’t seem so bothered .
Bikes , my mate brought a r1 brand new , £10,000 , he told the insurance it was parked in the hallway of his terraced side street house , one night he decided to leave it outside chained to a lamppost , in the morning it was gone , never seen again , ins investigated and apparently visited his neighbours who when asked where he parked the bike said it was sometimes chained to the lamppost , other times they assumed it was in house , totally unaware of the consequences of what they’d told the ins , ins refused to pay out , he’d not long got divorced so went out & brought another r1 with some of the proceeds of the divorce settlement , he then rented a garage .
I’d of been devastated , £10,000 lost just like that , but he didn’t seem so bothered .
Id have to disagree about it not mattering what lock or chain you have.
I was born and raised in some really crappy areas of London and have seen my share of bike thefts over the years. The more difficult you make it for them the better as they want a quick easy target, especially in the daytime.
I have a huge grinder proof chain, which the only thing getting through it is a plasma cutter, with a padlock where you cant access the loop as it sinks down inside the body of the padlock so can't be grinded off or bolt cut.
It was very expensive and its heavy as f**k, but I've had it for almost 20 years and on every sports bike I've owned. Best money I've ever spent.
Deterring the thieves is important, but of course doesnt guarantee it wont be stolen, but ive seen thieves look at my chain on the bike and just keep moving as they'd be there for hours.
Just my opinion of course.
I was born and raised in some really crappy areas of London and have seen my share of bike thefts over the years. The more difficult you make it for them the better as they want a quick easy target, especially in the daytime.
I have a huge grinder proof chain, which the only thing getting through it is a plasma cutter, with a padlock where you cant access the loop as it sinks down inside the body of the padlock so can't be grinded off or bolt cut.
It was very expensive and its heavy as f**k, but I've had it for almost 20 years and on every sports bike I've owned. Best money I've ever spent.
Deterring the thieves is important, but of course doesnt guarantee it wont be stolen, but ive seen thieves look at my chain on the bike and just keep moving as they'd be there for hours.
Just my opinion of course.
Edited by NAnut on Saturday 18th April 02:25
Ghs said:
Not bikes , but I ve had 2 cars stolen from hospital car parks whilst I was visiting a relative & a friend , and a car stolen from a staff car park at a hotel so not sure it matters where you park these days , the cctv at the hotel showed the back of a bloke in a suit breaking into the car , guest ? .
Bikes , my mate brought a r1 brand new , £10,000 , he told the insurance it was parked in the hallway of his terraced side street house , one night he decided to leave it outside chained to a lamppost , in the morning it was gone , never seen again , ins investigated and apparently visited his neighbours who when asked where he parked the bike said it was sometimes chained to the lamppost , other times they assumed it was in house , totally unaware of the consequences of what they d told the ins , ins refused to pay out , he d not long got divorced so went out & brought another r1 with some of the proceeds of the divorce settlement , he then rented a garage .
I d of been devastated , £10,000 lost just like that , but he didn t seem so bothered .
Paid per comma by any chance?Bikes , my mate brought a r1 brand new , £10,000 , he told the insurance it was parked in the hallway of his terraced side street house , one night he decided to leave it outside chained to a lamppost , in the morning it was gone , never seen again , ins investigated and apparently visited his neighbours who when asked where he parked the bike said it was sometimes chained to the lamppost , other times they assumed it was in house , totally unaware of the consequences of what they d told the ins , ins refused to pay out , he d not long got divorced so went out & brought another r1 with some of the proceeds of the divorce settlement , he then rented a garage .
I d of been devastated , £10,000 lost just like that , but he didn t seem so bothered .
Guy at work had his bike nicked late last year, can't remember the model but it's one that couriers like to use, they are nicked to be stripped down for parts.
It was parked down the access road to our work rear car park, wouldn't have been visible from the road, he's sure the bike would've been clocked on his commute and then followed.
You can see 2 guys in helmets on the CCTV appear, get to work on it, so blatant as it's at the back of a workshop where mechanics come and go freely, and the access road is also used by another business and residents of flats above us, it was happening in full view of our valeter, he saw them (all on CCTV), didn't raise the alarm or anything as he claimed he was scared and just froze, the least he could've done was either send a text to the work group, or just dart into the workshop to raise the alarm...
Anyhow they were gone with the bike in a matter of minutes. This is within the M25, 20 miles south of central London.
It was parked down the access road to our work rear car park, wouldn't have been visible from the road, he's sure the bike would've been clocked on his commute and then followed.
You can see 2 guys in helmets on the CCTV appear, get to work on it, so blatant as it's at the back of a workshop where mechanics come and go freely, and the access road is also used by another business and residents of flats above us, it was happening in full view of our valeter, he saw them (all on CCTV), didn't raise the alarm or anything as he claimed he was scared and just froze, the least he could've done was either send a text to the work group, or just dart into the workshop to raise the alarm...
Anyhow they were gone with the bike in a matter of minutes. This is within the M25, 20 miles south of central London.
The game has changed. Sure there are 'professional' gangs stealing bikes as a criminal enterprise, but the majority of what I've seen over the past 5 years is children and young adults taking bikes, ragging them and then dumping them in canals or torching them.
This is fueled by social media and its done for clout. Mopeds, ADVs, sports bikes, £1000 stters, Sur-rons....they don't care, they'll have it.
This is fueled by social media and its done for clout. Mopeds, ADVs, sports bikes, £1000 s
tters, Sur-rons....they don't care, they'll have it. NAnut said:
Id have to disagree about it not mattering what lock or chain you have.
I was born and raised in some really crappy areas of London and have seen my share of bike thefts over the years. The more difficult you make it for them the better as they want a quick easy target, especially in the daytime.
I have a huge grinder proof chain, which the only thing getting through it is a plasma cutter, with a padlock where you cant access the loop as it sinks down inside the body of the padlock so can't be grinded off or bolt cut.
It was very expensive and its heavy as f**k, but I've had it for almost 20 years and on every sports bike I've owned. Best money I've ever spent.
Deterring the thieves is important, but of course doesnt guarantee it wont be stolen, but ive seen thieves look at my chain on the bike and just keep moving as they'd be there for hours.
Just my opinion of course.
Totally agree. If they want it, they want it. But making it less easy makes them look elsewhere.I was born and raised in some really crappy areas of London and have seen my share of bike thefts over the years. The more difficult you make it for them the better as they want a quick easy target, especially in the daytime.
I have a huge grinder proof chain, which the only thing getting through it is a plasma cutter, with a padlock where you cant access the loop as it sinks down inside the body of the padlock so can't be grinded off or bolt cut.
It was very expensive and its heavy as f**k, but I've had it for almost 20 years and on every sports bike I've owned. Best money I've ever spent.
Deterring the thieves is important, but of course doesnt guarantee it wont be stolen, but ive seen thieves look at my chain on the bike and just keep moving as they'd be there for hours.
Just my opinion of course.
Make and model of the chain and padlock please.
BunkMoreland said:
Totally agree. If they want it, they want it. But making it less easy makes them look elsewhere.
Make and model of the chain and padlock please.
My sentiments exactly. Make and model of the chain and padlock please.
Pragmasis Protector 19mm 1.5m chain, proven unbreakable even with 42 inch bolt cutters and pretty much grind proof, and an Oxford Hardcore Padlock with the loop that sinks into the body of the lock so its not exposed at all when locked.
Edited by NAnut on Saturday 18th April 23:02
NAnut said:
My sentiments exactly.
Pragmasis Protector 19mm 1.5m chain, proven unbreakable even with 42 inch bolt cutters and pretty much grind proof, and an Oxford Hardcore Padlock with the loop that sinks into the body of the lock so its not exposed at all when locked.
Battery grinder would be through that, but agree its a good detterent.Pragmasis Protector 19mm 1.5m chain, proven unbreakable even with 42 inch bolt cutters and pretty much grind proof, and an Oxford Hardcore Padlock with the loop that sinks into the body of the lock so its not exposed at all when locked.
Edited by NAnut on Saturday 18th April 23:02
The oxford lock will be the weak point.
Along with decent disc lock, cover, sensible location etc.
NAnut said:
BunkMoreland said:
Totally agree. If they want it, they want it. But making it less easy makes them look elsewhere.
Make and model of the chain and padlock please.
My sentiments exactly. Make and model of the chain and padlock please.
Pragmasis Protector 19mm 1.5m chain, proven unbreakable even with 42 inch bolt cutters and pretty much grind proof, and an Oxford Hardcore Padlock with the loop that sinks into the body of the lock so its not exposed at all when locked.
Edited by NAnut on Saturday 18th April 23:02
Maybe 30s-1min with a decent grinder and disc.
Edit. 1min per cut based on the YouTube video that cuts that exact chain.
Fairly impressive actually.
Edited by _Rodders_ on Sunday 19th April 16:42
Every time I go into London I wish I'd gone by bike, but the fear of theft stops me doing it. And that's despite riding a 25-year-old bike. I don't know if thieves are discering or not! I wondered if multiple disc locks, maybe 6-8 of them, would be more offputting than a single chain. Mind, you, they might end up weighing as much or more than a decent chain.
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