Bicycle Locks and Datatag

It is essential that you have a good quality lock for your bike and that you never leave it unlocked in a public place, even for the shortest time. It takes seconds for a thief to ride away with your bike.

Sometimes bikes are stolen purely as a means of transport, so even the oldest bike left insecure outside a shop for a few minutes is at risk.

Some locks may look good quality but you basically get what you pay for. Some D locks, for example, may look robust, but are mostly made up of a thick layer of plastic with only a very thin metal core – easy for a cycle thief to twist off or to cut through.

Bike Locks

D Locks
These are heavy rigid steel locks in a D or U shape, generally very heavy and tough-looking. The more you pay, the stronger and secure it will be. D locks range from around £20-£80 They can be heavy (over 1kg) although many come with a mounting bracket so that you can attach your lock to your bike frame whilst riding. They can be limiting in that they will not fit around all street furniture, for example lamp posts.

When you lock up, try to fit the stand, the rim of one of the wheels and the frame into the D. By securing your wheel as well you’ll not only make it harder for thieves to take, but there’ll also be less space in the D which will prevent thieves from inserting bars or jacks to lever the lock. It’s best to angle the lock so that the opening is facing down. This prevents thieves from pouring in substances such as glue to prevent the owner from being able to retrieve the bike, giving them the chance to force the bike later.

Cable Locks
Cable locks can vary enormously in weight and strength. They are more flexible so can be used in situations where a D lock might not fit, but thinner, cheaper versions are very easily cut through. However, thicker cable locks can be very secure.
Thinner cables are useful in combination with other locks to secure parts like wheels or your saddle so that you don’t need to remove them every time you leave your bike.

Datatags

Datatag is basically very simple – it makes your vehicles and property identifiable to the Police in such a way that is extremely difficult for the thief to overcome, and so the risk level becomes unacceptably high.
Datatag has made a major impact on reducing theft and has 100% successful prosecution rate. Datatag is Thatcham Q Listed and is the winner of the International Frontline Award for Security. Whilst primarily the systems are used to deter theft, increasingly they are also being used as a valuable asset tracking system.

 Datatag for cycles offers a multi-layer approach to identification that makes life difficult for even professional thieves! The kit is simple to fit and includes both visible and hidden identifiers including a Datatag transponder that gives your bike a unique electronic fingerprint. Bike theft is well known to be a problem and many owners think that just by registering them on some database that theft will miraculously stop but the truth is that registration without the right identification system just doesn't work?

The Datatag system offers the premier identifiers combined with probably the most sophisticated database ever devised. Equally importantly Datatag works with the Police to back up the product and provides free scanning equipment, database access on a 24/7 basis as well as technical training. Owners of Datatagged cycles also benefit from reduced premiums from the major insurers. For Cycle security there is only one choice.

Sold Secure

Sold Secure is the premier testing and certification house for security products. In this site you will find the full range of products tested and approved by Sold Secure to provide you with the best in security, for a variety of applications. Please visit often as we are a dynamic company and the range of products changes every month. The range provides.

• Products to enhance vehicle security.
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