You should ensure that your bike is locked whenever you leave it - even in the shed at home.

You should also consider cycle insurance and/or identification (see below).

It is worth registering your cycle at immobillise.com - it is free!

LOCKS

We recommend a D-lock passed through the back wheel, downtube and a solid object such as a sheffield bike stand or fence. Remember, the more you pay for a lock, the better it is likely to be. Thieves have been known to use bottle jacks or freeze spray to break a lock, and the costlier ones will be more resistant. If you have quick-release hubs, invest in a cable to pass through the wheel. If you have a quick-release seatpin, consider switching to a normal allen key seatpin.

An alternative to the D-lock is the less secure but more convenient Axa lock. Read a review here. CCC would like to see these fitted compulsorily to all new bikes under £300.

You should also lock your bike to a solid object, such as one of the many sheffield-type cycle parking stands provided by Colchester Council, or in the cycle hutches provided by Colchester Council at kthe bus station, Vineyard Street or St Mary's, or at Colchester General Hospital. Many town centre bike parks are covered by CCTV, so if anything happens to your bike, ask for a check on the film.

INSURANCE

Check your house contents insurance policy to see whether it covers cycles. Special policies are available from most insurance companies or thenational lobby group, the CTC. You should also check if your insurance company allows you to buy a new bike of your choice, or limits you to a specific retailer - you may like to choose one which allows you a free choice. If you are at Essex University, check if you are covered as part of your in-halls accommodation fee, or under your parents' home contents policy.

IDENTIFICATION

You can add extra identification to your bike by adding a chip or getting it postcoded by the police. With regard to postcoding, in Essex, you will be asked to sign a waiver before your friendly bobby sets about your bottom bracket with a lump hammer and stamps. It's always a good idea to add a splodge of gloss paint to the freshly postcoded area to prevent rust, specially if your bike is new.

REPORTING A THEFT

The Essex Police non-emergency number - which will put you through to your local police station - is 0300 333 4444.