Keep your bike safe by following these security tips

Keep your bike safe on campus with these top tips from Veritech Security, in partnership with Southampton Solent University.

Use a high-quality lock (or two)

Using two locks slows thieves down. Use two quality locks, one of which is recommended to be a D-lock.

Lock through the frame and wheels

Lock the frame and at least one wheel. Secure the bike as close to the frame as possible to allow little or no room for manouvere.

Choose a good location

Park in well-lit areas with high traffic.

Secure cycle storage is available on EPT campus under the Sports Complex, you can request access via the Estates Helpdesk,

Storage locations and changing facilities can be found here:

Bikes should not be brought into campus buildings under any circumstances.

Take accessories with you

Remove the lights and any bags when leaving your bike.

Vary your parking spot

Alternate the places where you park your bike to prevent thieves coming back prepared.

Do not leave cycles overnight on the campus

Take your bike home with you at the end of the day. 

Invest in GPS trackers

If you are able to, a GPS tracker will help you track your bike if it is stolen. Discretely hide it on your bike.

Insure your bike

Check if home insurance covers bikes, or consider stand-alone bike insurance.

Register your bike

Register your frame number on a national bike registration database approved by Secured by Design. The frame number is usually found underneath the bike between the pedals or where the back wheel slots in. If your bike is ever stolen and recovered by the police, it can then be traced back to you.

Mark it

Get your bike security marked. It’s a highly effective, visible deterrent to bike thieves. They know that if they are caught with a registered bike, the owner can be traced, and they will be arrested. Security marking products can be found at Secured by Design.

Act Fast

If your bike has been stolen, contact us as soon as possible by reporting online.

Give us your frame number, cycle database number, a photo and any other details and make sure you update the status on the cycle database where you registered it.

The sooner we know, the sooner we can act, which might stop it being sold on.