Specialist insurer Bikmo is urging independent bike shops to take a hard look at their security arrangements, warning that overlooked details in alarm systems and locking equipment could leave retailers seriously out of pocket after a break-in.
Writing for the trade, Bikmo for Business head Joanna Evans described a scenario familiar to many shop owners: a forced-entry theft discovered on arrival, only for the retailer to later learn that their alarm system wasn’t on the insurer’s approved list – potentially invalidating cover at the worst possible moment.
The company is encouraging shop owners to carry out a straightforward 30-minute internal review covering alarm certification, lock standards, CCTV coverage and stock storage practices. According to Bikmo, aligning security measures with insurer requirements before a claim is made can not only prevent nasty surprises but also help negotiate lower premiums, as insurers reward businesses that demonstrably reduce their risk profile.
With bike theft remaining a persistent problem across the UK – and high-value stock, including e-bikes and premium road machines, an increasingly attractive target for organised gangs – the message lands at a sensitive time for independent retailers already squeezed by rising costs.
For On Track readers, this isn’t just a back-office issue. Shops are the backbone of local racing scenes, sponsoring teams, hosting club nights and keeping riders on the road with parts and repairs. A poorly insured shop that folds after a theft doesn’t just lose stock – it can quietly erode the support network that keeps grassroots cycling and racing alive. Riders who buy locally would do well to ask their favourite shop whether they’ve had a security review lately; a thriving high street bike shop is good news for everyone who races, trains or simply rides.
Sam Allcock is a digital PR entrepreneur and publisher with over two decades in SEO, content and media. He founded PR Fire, the pay-as-you-go press release distribution service, and has worked with brands including Red Bull, Nokia and Liverpool FC. He contributes to HuffPost, HubSpot and The London Economic, and owns a portfolio of news and media titles, of which On Track Magazine is one.
