According to crime data, over 376,000 bicycles are stolen each year, roughly one every 90 seconds! This alarming figure is a huge concern for many. The Insurer Admiral reported that in June alone, reported bike thefts were up 46% on 2019. 

It was also reported that bike thefts now account for more than a third (37%) of all theft claims, up from 12% last year.

With an increase to outdoor exercise over the lockdown periods, bike retailers have been selling out of many models. Whilst this is good news for the nation’s fitness, more bikes are being stolen. Cyclists are therefore being warned to be vigilant, keep an eye out for thieves and step up their bike security. 

With people being encouraged to avoid public transport where possible with the second lockdown in England, we could expect to see a second surge in bike purchases, and consequently, bike thefts.

The Cube can help put the brakes on increasing theft by improving your bike’s security, keeping an eye on your bike whilst you can’t. The smart technology will send an alert to your smartphone within 30 seconds of an attempted break in to your shed, garage or storage location. 

When travel restrictions are lifted again, this security can accompany you on your travels as the cube is totally portable. The cube will give you peace of mind that your bike is safe whilst you’re away whether that be in your car, caravan site or holiday home.

The uWatch app also allows you to record your assets, keep descriptions and date/time stamped photos of your bike and other valuables. If your bicycle is stolen, you can escalate this information to the local police and your insurance company.

Contact Louis Bennet, Product Manager either by email or call 01491 651 229 and let us discuss your requirements.

Secured by Design

Secured by Design

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In order for a product or service to have a Police Recommendation, that product needs to submitted to a thorough vetting procedure. ‘Secured by Design’ are the official company to carry out this procedure.

uWatch’s Cube has been vetted and approved by Secured by Design and has been categorised under “Crime Reporting & CCTV“

Secured by Design was created in 1989, and initially focused on windows and door security. Working with manufacturers, industry bodies, and certification bodies they helped to drive up standards in design and manufacture and security.

They have also worked with Government, to drive crime prevention methods into the planning process for all housing projects.

The company employs ‘Designing Out Crime Officers’. Their job is to work with developers, architects, town planners, local authorities to reduce the potential for criminal activity at the planning stage.

There are over 700 member companies approved by Secured by Design. They in turn have thousands of products that have achieved the Police Preferred Specification. uWatch is one of these companies.

Whilst uWatch has this accreditation, it does not automatically mean a Police Recommendation. The independent Police Constabularies in England and Wales, Police Scotland and the Police Service of Northern Ireland retain that right.

uWatch has worked with a number of Police Forces across the UK, attending and supporting over 30 Local and Rural Crime roadshows. Speaking to Rural Crime officers, landowners, farmers and businesses that could benefit from a product like The Cube.

If you planning a local event, whether you are Rural Crime Officer or a Local Farmers organisation – please get in touch.

Contact Louis Bennet, Product Manager either by email or call 01491 651 229 and let us discuss your requirements.

Tractor

Rural Crime on the Increase

NFU Mutual

The recent Rural Crime Report 2020 published by NFU Mutual reports an almost 9% rise in the cost rural crime. The cost is over £54 million.

They report this is the highest cost in eight years of reporting.

The sharp rise has been driven by the theft of high value tractors, farm vehicles and quad bikes. Livestock rustling has also seen an increase.

Land Rover Defender
Land Rover Defender

Agricultural vehicle theft saw an increase of approximately £2million compared to 2018. Livestock theft was valued at £3.0m for 2019. NFU Mutual report separately in their stats the value of Land Rover Defender thefts. This figure now stands at £2.1m.

Geographically the worst affected region in cash terms was the Midlands at £10.6m, however the region with the biggest increase is Scotland at 44.1%. (No explanation for this massive increase is given in the NFU Mutual report)

At a granular level by counties, Wiltshire saw the biggest percentage cost of theft increase year-on-year at 102% where-as along the coast, Kent saw a decrease of 31.3%. Lincolnshire saw the largest cost of theft for a county at £2.8m. (This analysis is based on the 30 worst UK counties).

COVID-19 has taken its toll in the Countryside as we all know, but there have been increased knock on effects by some of the COVID-19 restrictions.

With the increased numbers of walkers in the countryside, farmers reported an increased number of dog attacks on livestock.

Fly tipping

Another increase, has been fly-tipping. With local authority recycling centres closed for a period of COVID-19 households and unscrupulous businesses took to using country lanes as dumping grounds.

uWatch Solutions

Reacting to the latest report from NFU Mutual, Louis Bennet, Product Manager at uWatch:

“This latest report makes grim reading. Targeting rural businesses is often seen as an easy crime, given its often remoteness either from other neighbouring properties or Police Patrols.


The stats in this report support the individual feedback that we have heard at uWatch as we have attended both Countryside and Rural Crime Prevention roadshows across the country.
 
uWatch has partnered with Police Forces across the Country, and have the Secured-by-Design accreditation for our Cube Security Product.
 
The Cube is well suited to work in the remote environments that Farms and rural properties pose. Battery powered, and not dependent on Wi-Fi, The Cube is a versatile security device.
 
Whether it’s directly monitoring country lanes observing for fly-tipping, or it’s tethered with blue-tooth tags to monitor gate openings or attached to a vehicle to report a movement. “