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In London alone, figures from the Police suggest that around 20,000 bikes are reported stolen each year. However, this figure could be closer to 70,000 as the "Crime Survey for England & Wales" suggests that only one in four thefts are reported to the police. There are always going to be a few bad apples out there willing to take what isn't theirs for profit, but there's actually a lot that you can do to make sure that it isn't your Mango Bike that gets stolen.

1. Record the serial number of your bike and register it on BikeRegister Check out our blog post on Bike Serial Numbers so that you know where to locate and how to record your unique serial.

2. Always use multiple high quality and rated bike locks. Don't leave it to chance—Use a quality D lock to secure the frame and back wheel, with an attached cable to secure the front wheel, or even a D lock for each wheel. Check this poster for good locking practice.

3. Think about how you lock your bike, don't make it easy to manoeuvre! The less wiggle room there is between your bike and the surface you're securing it to the better. Your bike won't be an easy target if the would be thief can see that they would struggle to fit their tools around the locks. Check this guide to see common techniques employed by bike thieves.

4. Lock your bike in a public, monitored and designated area. We appreciate that you're not always going to be able to check all of the boxes for a perfect locking solution. It doesn't hurt to do a little research in advance, just a quick Google search can help to identify safe locking spaces.

5. Secure quick release components, or take them with you. If you've left your second lock or cable at home and don't fancy trying to wheelie all the way back then you should lock up the back as normal and take the front wheel with you. The same goes if you've installed a third party quick release seat post, or any other easily removable component.

6. Look after your bike at home! Have you thought about how secure the front door to your building really is? A door isn't enough to protect your bike at home. If you're in an apartment block with locking facilities, use them. If you can lock your bike to something inside your home, do it. We've heard multiple stories of bikes being stolen from apartment corridors or porches. Don't be a target.

7. If your bike has been stolen, file a police report. Give them your serial number, photos, and a description of when and where it was taken from. Check here to report a theft online.