With the growing numbers of cyclists commuting to work, and with figures expected to rise throughout 2010. Bike thieves are cashing in on Britons' desire to go green, it was revealed today.
With more people buying bikes, the number of thefts of cycles soared 10% to 439,000 last year, a survey by Direct line and Halifax Home Insurance found.
To illustrate the growing problem of bike theft, Direct Line left 10 locked bikes in cities around the UK and paid agents to check on them every hour.
The majority of the bikes were stolen within 24 hours, with the bikes left in London, Manchester and Liverpool all being stolen within less than two hours.
Also Halifax’s survey showed that a bike is stolen every 71 seconds, with 89% of thefts having occurred when a cycle was left locked in a public place and only 1% of bikes being taken from an owner's home.
Vicky Emmott of Halifax Home Insurance said: "The increase in thefts is due to an upsurge in the popularity of cycling across Britain. With increasing numbers of employers taking up initiatives such as the Government's cycle to work scheme, opportunities for thieves will only increase.
"One bicycle theft occurring every 71 seconds is an astounding figure and should certainly make cyclists think more carefully about the level of security they use to keep their bike safe.
"With the majority of thefts coming from bikes that have been placed under lock and key, it may be worth considering spending a little more money for a high-security lock that might stand a better chance of deterring a thief.''
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