London Heritage Quarter (LHQ) is marking three years of sustained action to improve cycle security and personal safety across central London, as bike theft and street crime continue to rise in the capital.

Working in partnership with BikeRegister, LHQ has delivered regular bike marking and community safety events across its four Business Improvement Districts – Northbank, Victoria, Victoria Westminster and Whitehall. The quarterly events bring practical crime prevention support directly into busy public spaces, helping commuters, students and businesses protect their property and feel safer moving through the area.

Events have been hosted at high‑footfall locations including Victoria Station and the London School of Economics, ensuring support reaches both daily commuters and younger cyclists. Attendees are able to mark their bikes with BikeRegister QR codes, receive tailored crime prevention advice from Metropolitan Police officers, and explore a range of cycle safety equipment designed to deter opportunistic theft.

Rising bike theft remains a challenge in London

The importance of these initiatives is underscored by the scale of cycle crime in London. Recent analysis suggests that up to 40,000 bikes are stolen in the capital each year, once unreported thefts are taken into account (Evening Standard, 2026). Official Metropolitan Police figures indicate that around 14,000 bicycle thefts are reported annually in London, with Westminster consistently among the boroughs most affected.

Recovery rates remain extremely low, with research showing that as few as 1–2% of stolen bicycles are ever returned to their owners. For many victims, the loss has a wider impact, discouraging people from cycling and undermining efforts to promote sustainable travel within the capital.

By offering visible, accessible bike marking and advice sessions, London Heritage Quarter aims to disrupt this trend by making bikes harder to steal and easier to recover, while reinforcing positive cycling habits across central London.

“We’re proud to partner with BikeRegister to offer these valuable services to our business community. Our shared goal is to keep people cycling and to enhance safety for everyone who travels through this part of central London,” said an LHQ spokesperson.

Tackling phone theft and personal safety concerns

Bike theft is only one aspect of a broader street crime challenge. Mobile phone theft in particular has surged in recent years, with London recording well over 100,000 phone thefts in a single year (Evening Standard, 2025), according to Metropolitan Police data. Central boroughs such as Westminster continue to be hotspots, driven by high footfall, tourism and organised theft gangs using bikes and e‑scooters.

For many Londoners, these crimes are not only about financial loss but also about personal safety. Phone snatching and bag theft can be aggressive and distressing, often taking place during daylight hours on busy streets.

Recognising this, LHQ events increasingly focus on personal safety as well as property security, featuring products such as panic alarms and safety lights alongside bike protection measures.

Supporting women’s safety and VAWG awareness

Personal safety remains a particular concern for women and girls in London. Metropolitan Police data shows that over 120,000 Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) offences are recorded annually in the capital, with harassment, stalking and public‑space intimidation featuring prominently (Met Police – VAWG Action Plan).

SelectaDNA Personal Defence Sprays offer a powerful tool in the fight against VAWG, designed to provide reassurance and a visible deterrent while helping users attract attention and escape threatening situations. These sprays are legal, non‑harmful and non‑incapacitant, aligning with best‑practice guidance around personal safety and responsible crime prevention. They have recently been recognised as an effective tool by College of Policing.

By incorporating personal safety discussions and solutions into public engagement events, BIDs and partners can help normalise conversations around VAWG and empower people – particularly women – to feel safer navigating London’s streets.

Building safer habits through visibility and engagement

Feedback from attendees highlights the value of face‑to‑face engagement. Visitors frequently report sharing advice with colleagues, friends and family, extending the impact of each event beyond those who attend on the day.

As London Heritage Quarter looks ahead, continued collaboration with BikeRegister, the Metropolitan Police and partners such as Selectamark will remain central to building safer, more confident communities across central London.

For further information and images contact: Victoria Clark, Marketing Executive for Selectamark.

Phone: +44 (0)1689 487829
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @bikeregister