Cyclists must beware of thieves, survey says

M&S has published a study indicating that cyclists should ensure their bike is covered on their home insurance policy this summer.

Cyclists should ensure that their bike is covered by their contents and buildings insurance ahead of the summer months, a new report has said.

Research released today (June 14th) by Marks & Spencer (M&S) Money has shown that more than one-quarter - 27 per cent - of cyclists in Britain have had their mode of transport stolen in the last two years.

Many victims of such thefts have then been forced to incur the costs of buying a new one due to it not being included in their annual insurance policy.

And with the traditional seasonal spike of people using their bicycle in the warmer weather, M&S has urged bikers to ensure they are covered by their current home insurance package.

The survey indicated that the average cost of a bicycle is now in the region of £240, meaning that they are becoming more and more attractive to thieves.

Meanwhile, it was revealed last year by official police figures that the number of bicycle thefts in the London borough of Westminster increased by 71 per cent over the summer of 2009.

By Joe Letts