Cyclists in Soho are being urged to check their bike locks after a failed theft attempt left a bike owner with a jammed D-Lock on a busy street.
A Londoner has shared his experience after thieves attempted to steal his girlfriend’s bike using a common method—levering the bike itself to bend and snap an old D-Lock.
The incident happened at 9pm in central Soho, an area usually bustling with people. Despite several bikes being parked nearby, the targeted bicycle was locked with an older-looking D-Lock, suggesting that thieves may specifically target bikes with locks that appear worn or weak.
“The bike isn’t even fancy, so I think it was targeted because the lock looked old,” the cyclist said.
Fortunately, the lock held up just enough to prevent the theft, but it was left completely jammed, forcing the owner to attempt to pry it open—drawing suspicious looks from passersby.
The Growing Threat of Bike Theft in London
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about bicycle theft in London, particularly in busy areas where criminals operate quickly and without hesitation.
Experts warn that many budget or older D-Locks are vulnerable to leverage attacks, where thieves use the bike itself as a tool to snap the lock.
How to Protect Your Bike from Theft
Cyclists are advised to take extra precautions when locking up their bikes, particularly in high-theft areas such as Soho, Camden, and Shoreditch.
Top tips to protect your bike:
? Invest in a high-quality D-Lock – Opt for a Sold Secure Gold or Diamond-rated lock rather than a cheap or old model.
? Double up on security – Use an additional chain or cable lock to make it harder for thieves to break both.
? Secure the frame and both wheels – Avoid just locking the wheel; thieves can easily detach it.
? Park in well-lit, busy areas with CCTV – Although this theft attempt happened in a crowded area, visibility still deters many criminals.
? Register your bike – Services like BikeRegister.com can help police recover stolen bikes.
Police and Cyclist Response
The Metropolitan Police encourage cyclists to report all bike theft attempts, as it helps them track crime trends and identify hot spots.
Anyone who sees suspicious behaviour around parked bikes should call 101 or report it anonymously to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
Cyclists are urged to remain vigilant and upgrade their bike security to avoid becoming the next target.
More from: Camden · Met Police
