This page provides a little guidance as to the typical security products used for items of certain values. It is necessarily somewhat vague as different rules apply to different situations, such as a bicycle in a secure shed may warrant less security than if the same bicycle was out in the open, and more security than if it was in a garage.
Police guidelines suggest that you should consider spending around 10-15% of the value of the item(s) on their security, but this can break down at relatively low, and at relatively high, values. It should give you an idea, but you should also include the wider situation in your neighbourhood and how desirable the items may be to thieves.
It is also a good idea to consider the inconvenience of an item being stolen, as well as the actual value of that item. E.g. if you can't get to work or college because you've lost your main means of transport, that may be justify a higher expenditure on its security than the pure value of the item might normally suggest.
It is also important to keep in mind the local situation and, especially, if there has been a previous theft. We normally follow the guidance summarised here and then go up a level, or even go up two levels, if there has been a previous theft. Once a thief has managed a successful theft, there is sadly a good chance he will return and it's important that you then regain control of the situation, if at all possible. Otherwise, you can end up playing catch-up with thieves indefinitely.
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Modest value items can be difficult to secure effectively without spending too much on the security. We recommend that you consider all aspects of the items in question and the potential for losing them, and use that to adjust the intended budget for security as well as providing influence on the security of any building that the item is stored in.
Items in this value range frequently include bicycles and the Bicycle Security Selector may provide useful guidance that considers a variety of scenarios that may apply to your situation. Where possible, it is still a good idea to try to follow good practice, such as using a ground anchor and keeping a chain off the ground, even though the items may not be incredibly valuable. It is much better to discourage an attempted theft, effectively, than to have something stolen and then to play catch-up subsequently.
Items in the ?1,000-?5,000 value range are getting much more desirable to thieves so their security should be more of a concern, justifying a higher budget on the security items themselves, and also encouraging us to store the items in a secure shed or garage or similar structure.
This is coming into the higher-value bicycle and lower-value motorcycle range so it is worth reviewing both the Bicycle Security Selector and the Motorcycles Security Selector for guidance. Where possible, it is always a good idea to try to follow good practice, such as using a ground anchor and keeping a chain off the ground. It is much better to discourage an attempted theft, effectively, than to have something stolen and then to play catch-up subsequently.
Items in the ?5,000-?10,000 value range can be very desirable to thieves so their security should be a significant concern, justifying a higher budget on the security items themselves, and also biasing towards storing the items in a secure garage or similar permanent structure wherever possible.
This is in the routine motorcycle range so it is worth reviewing the Motorcycles Security Selector for guidance. High security chains are appropriate, meaning 16mm minimum thickness. Items in this range can be expected to attract thieves using motorcycle-thief tools, such as 42" bolt croppers, crowbars and hammers.
Where possible, it is important to use a ground anchor and keep a chain off the ground. This value range is probably the main target for thieves as it includes a lot of items that they can sell quickly, without getting into the territory of specialist items that will be harder for them to sell.
Items in the ?10,000+ value range can be very desirable to thieves, including professional thieves, so their security should be a significant concern, justifying a higher budget on the security items themselves, and also biasing towards storing the items in a secure garage or similar permanent structure wherever possible, with its own security such as a burglar alarm.
This is in the high value motorcycle range so it is worth reviewing the Motorcycles Security Selector for guidance. High and extreme security chains are appropriate, meaning 19mm minimum thickness. Items in this range can be expected to attract thieves using motorcycle-thief tools, such as 42" bolt croppers, crowbars and hammers, and perhaps even angle grinders.
Where possible, it is vital to use at least one ground anchor and keep all chains off the ground. This value range can attract serious and determined thieves so it is a good idea to spend some time doing research and asking advice from your local Police Crime Reduction team.