Protect your bike with these tips:

• Lock your bike to a bike rack in a well-lit, busy area.
• Park your bike indoors or in a secure cage overnight.
• Cable locks are easily cut, so it’s best to use a quality D-lock. Opt for one with a disc or flat key – cylindrical keyed locks are picked easily.
• Lock through the frame and a wheel. For extra security you can use a second lock – cable or U-lock – through the other wheel.
• Detach lights, bags, laptop and take them with you.
• ID your bike.

Take a few minutes to register or keep information about your bike. Police need a clear way to identify the bike and return it to you if they find it. Bikes without identification often have to be sold at police auction.

Record your bike’s serial number. This is usually under the bottom bracket. Note any other descriptive information and take a photo.

NSW Police Force also recommends engraving your driver’s licence number or using a permanent marker to help identify your bike.

You can also use an online bike register such as Bike Vault or the national bike register.

These simple steps will help keep your precious wheels safe.

If your bike is stolen you can report it to the police by calling 131 444. You’ll need to describe your bike including any distinctive marks such as scratches.

The City of Sydney also recovers abandoned bikes. If you think your bike may have been wrongly collected by us, call 02 9265 9333.

You can also take out bike insurance just in case.