Warning as bike thefts increased by 66% during pandemic

• Admiral home insurance data reveals pedal bike thefts accounted for 32% of all theft claims during the pandemic, compared with 14% the previous year
• London, Edinburgh & Bristol home to the highest number of bike thefts

The latest investigation from Admiral home insurance has revealed that the number of claims for pedal bike thefts has risen by 66% since the first Covid-19 lockdown (March 2020 – February 2021), compared to the same time period the previous year.

Analysis of the insurers data found that pedal bike thefts accounted for 32% of all theft claims since the pandemic began, compared with 14% the previous year.

The average value of claims for stolen pedal bikes since the pandemic hit, is £580, and in some cases, has been much higher.

When it comes to the location of bike thefts being reported to the insurer, London dominates the list, followed by Edinburgh and Bristol.