Figures show one bike is stolen every six MINUTES in the UK - but here's how you can protect yours

Shocking new figures show that 100,000 bikes were reported stolen in the UK in 2017 – the equivalent of one bike every six minutes.

The figures, uncovered by Direct Line Insurance, show that thefts have risen by a staggering 17% over the past 12 months.

The 100,000 bikes stolen in 2017 contribute to the quarter of a million taken since 2015.

Mountain bikes prove to be the most popular bikes for thieves, making up nearly half of all bike thefts in three years.

Just under a third of thefts were for hybrid bikes, while road bikes were the third most stolen.

Bike thefts in London have risen by 21% over the past three years, with 58,000 stolen – the fastest increase across the whole country.

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Darran Hull, from Direct Line, said: ‘Given London and the surrounding area account for 44% of all cycling miles across Britain, it is no surprise opportunistic thieves target these areas.

‘Bike theft isn’t just distressing but incredibly disruptive, often leaving commuters without a vital mode of transport and cyclists unable to exercise or take part in leisure activities.’

Here is how you can protect your bike:

Register and mark
Free bike schemes like BikeRegister and Immobilise enable you to upload your bike’s model and frame number, as well as a photo of it. Police regularly check the database when retrieving stolen or found bikes. You can also mark your bike with an exclusive ID code so that it’s identifiable.

Recording details
The frame number – usually stamped underneath the bottom bracket or on the seat tube – should be noted, along with a full description of your bike, including photographs.

Locking
Research the right lock that will keep your bike safe. Those assigned a gold rating by official testing bodies are more secure.

Parking
Locking your bike up at a well lit public space that is busy throughout the day is recommended. Direct Line suggests using two locks for extra security.

Home storage
Make sure to securely lock away your bike if kept inside a shed or garage, using a lock that can’t be taken off using a screwdriver. An alarm is also recommended, while bikes in communal areas should be attached to an immovable object.