NEW research has revealed that the Vale of Glamorgan has some of the lowest bicycle thefts in South Wales. 

MoneySuperMarket analysed bike theft data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and found that the Vale of Glamorgan has some of the lowest rates of bicycle theft across the country, with 0.4 thefts reported per 1,000 people in 2020.

The latest ONS data for South Wales is as follows:

  • Cardiff: 3.3 per 1,000 people
  • Swansea: 0.8 per 1,000 people
  • Neath Port Talbot: 0.5 per 1,000 people
  • Cwm Taf: 0.2 per 1,000 people
  • Vale of Glamorgan: 0.4 per 1,000 people
  • Bridgend: 0.3 per 1,000 people

Overall, the data shows that 72,640 bikes were reported stolen in 2020, which amounts to 199 bicycle thefts per day on average. This figure is down 15 per cent compared to 2019, where 85,285 bikes were reported as stolen.

Kate Devine, home insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, commented: “Cycling has become popular over the past year and with the country easing out of lockdown and people set to travel once again, it’s even more important to make sure bikes are covered for theft and damage. 

“Whilst the data shows that some areas are safer than others, there are many things we can do to deter bicycle thieves. Our top suggestions are:

  • Invest in a good quality lock 
  • Lock your bike securely, including the wheels 
  • Avoid locking your bike in an isolated area 
  • Using two different types of locks can act as a strong deterrent 
  • Register and insure your bike 

“To avoid paying more than necessary if your bike were to be stolen, it’s always a good idea to insure it – either by including it in your home insurance policy or by taking out specialist bike insurance.

"It doesn’t take long, provides peace of mind, and using a comparison site can get you a good deal.”