BikeRegister is the UK’s national cycle database and the leading online bicycle identification initiative, with over 1.25 million bikes registered. It aims to reduce cycle theft and enable owners to be reunited with their bikes if they are stolen and recovered.
BikeRegister is used by every UK Police Force in the UK, including Thames Valley Police, to search for bikes they recover and return them to their rightful owners. It is the preferred bike marking system of the Metropolitan Police Service and British Transport Police and the only Police-approved cycle database available for use 24/7.
Registering your bike is free and provides you with the following benefits:
- Lifetime registration on the BikeRegister database
- A registration Logbook, to be used as proof of ownership
- Secure online access to manage your account
Registering on BikeRegister means you could be reunited with your bike in the event of it being stolen, but it does not stop thieves taking your bike.
However, BikeRegister claims that a bike that is marked with a Bike-Register Marking Kit is 83% less likely to be stolen than an unmarked one.
BikeRegister offer three different Security Marking Kits:
Membership Plus Kit – A highly durable tamper resistant QR Code label that gives your bike a unique BikeRegister ID. Cost: £12.99
Permanent Marking Kit – to permanently mark your bike frame with a unique BikeRegister ID. This product holds Police-preferred ‘Secured by Design’ accreditation. Cost: £19.99
UV Covert Kit – A kit to mark all of your bike’s components with hundreds of uniquely coded microdots, as well as a permanent, colourless UV etch and a high security TESA label to visibly mark your frame. Cost: £29.99
Thames Valley Police often hold bike marking events where they will mark your bike for you. RCC will publicise these events. We also recommend you check on BikeRegister before buying a second-hand bike.
RCC Members receive a 10% discount on all BikeRegister security marking kits
All the kits can be purchased from BikeRegister (www.bikeregister.com) either:
- when going through the free online registration process (new users)
- for existing users via your online account
To receive your discount code, email Susan Children on publicity@readingcyclecampaign.org.uk
Top Tips to Protect Your Bike:
Get a lock
Buy a decent lock – preferably two.
Expect to pay at least £40 for a lock.
Make sure you buy a certified Sold Secure lock, as these are often requested by insurance companies.
Make your mark
Ensure the security mark is clearly visible. This will act as a deterrent to bike thieves.
Apply a tamper-proof sticker to the frame, warning that the bike has been marked.
Make sure you register your bike online at BikeRegister.
Insure your bike
You may have invested in a significant amount of money into your bike, so be sure you’re covered for theft.
It’s worth considering specialist cycle insurance, especially if your bike is valuable, as some home insurance providers often have a value limit on your bike.
For more tips please go to: www.bikeregister.com/advice/top-tips-to-protect-your-bike.
Millie Quickenden
BikeRegister
