Bike thefts at train stations up 39 per cent year-on-year

• 6,956 bikes were reported stolen from railway stations in 2022, up 39 per cent from the 4,999 thefts in 2021
• 14,110 bikes have been stolen at train stations across the UK since 2021
• 39 per cent of individuals have had their bike stolen
• St Albans City (260), Cambridge North (217) and Woking (182) reported the highest number of thefts in 2022
• Just 1.5 per cent of bikes (103) reported stolen in 2022 were recovered

A total of 6,956 bicycles were reported stolen from UK railway stations in 2022, a 39 per cent) increase from the 4,999 stolen in 2021 and the equivalent of 19 per day, according to new Freedom of Information research from Direct Line Home Insurance.¹ From January 2021 to May 2023, there have been more than 14,000 reports of items stolen at train stations and London’s underground stations.

Ten train stations outside of London reported the greatest number of thefts, with St Albans City (260), Cambridge North (217) and Woking (182) making the top three of that list. In reality the number of bicycle thefts is likely to be much higher as 36 per cent of individuals have admitted that they did not report their bike as stolen². According to Direct Line research, nearly two in five (39 per cent) individuals who have owned a bike had it stolen.

Despite the increase in bike thefts from train stations, the number of people charged fell by 8 per cent in 2022, from 260 charges in 2021 to 238 in 2022. In 2021, just 1.2 per cent (61) of the 4,999 bikes were returned. In 2022, 1.5 per cent (103) of bikes were recovered out of the 6,956 reported thefts.

Top 10 stations with the most bike thefts reported at train stations in the UK (2022)

Brits spend, on average, £430 on their bikes, bringing the total estimated value of these thefts to nearly £3 million³. 67 per cent of bike owners admit that they do not have bike insurance, leaving them vulnerable in the event that their bike is stolen.

Dan Simson, Head of Direct Line Home Insurance, said: 

"Train stations are a prime target for thieves with high numbers left every day as individuals commute to work or school. Many rely on their bikes for day-to-day transport making it incredibly inconvenient and expensive if their bike is stolen.

“Investing in a strong D lock will help deter thieves and making sure that your home insurance covers personal possessions away from the home will give peace of mind should the worst happen. In the event of a theft, report it to the police as soon as possible.”

Tips from the British Transport Police on how to keep your bike safe when travelling⁴:

• Thieves are less likely to carry multiple tools, so use two different types of lock if possible, at least one should be a D-lock.
• Lock the frame and both wheels to a secure cycle stand.
• If you can, take parts that are easy to remove with you, such as wheels, lights, baskets or the saddle.
• Lock your bike at recognised secure cycle parking. It should be well lit and covered by CCTV.
• 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.
• 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.
• Take the same care to lock your bike securely at home as you would on the street.

If your bikes is stolen, the BTP advises you to:

• Contact the BTP as soon as possible by calling 101 or report online. Provide your frame number, cycle database number, a photo and any other details and make sure you update the status on the cycle database where it is registered. The sooner the BTP know, the sooner they can act, which might stop it being sold on.
• Stolen Bikes in the UK will help to spread the word about your bike theft and offers help on how get it back.
• Find that bike lists adverts for bikes placed on online marketplaces that you can check frequently to see if yours has been listed for sale.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

(1)     This data was acquired by Direct Line Insurance through an FOI request to the British Transport Police. The data covers all areas policed by the British Transport Police, including Britain’s railways, London Underground, Docklands Light Railway, the Midland Metro tram system, Croydon Tramlink, Tyne and Wear Metro, Glasgow Subway and Emirates AirLine. The data was received on 20^th June, 2023.

(2)     Survey conducted by Opinium on behalf of Direct Line Home Insurance, 2000 UK adults (between 4-8^th August 2023)

(3)     Average amount spent on bikes £430 (Opinium research) x 6,956 bikes reported stolen = £2,991,080

(4)     Protect your bike from theft, British Transport Police

Direct Line Group:

Alice Osborn

PR Manager

Email: alice.osborn@directlinegroup.co.uk

Direct Line

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