Top tips for keeping your vehicle or bicycle secure while on campus.
Keeping your vehicle secure
Vehicle crime rates on campus are comparable to the rest of the Thames Valley area. You can reduce the risk of your vehicle being broken into by following these simple steps:
- Always lock your vehicle.
- Never leave any items on display.
- Remove all valuable items from your vehicle.Remove the fascia from any radio/stereo equipment.
- Remove all Sat Nav Equipment, including the holder.
- Do not leave your vehicle on campus overnight.
- Always use any security devices fitted to your car.
Keeping your bicycle secure
Using the gated bicycle compounds
We recommend you use one of the gated bicycle compounds available on Whiteknights Campus. To do so you will need to visit the Security Window in Whiteknights House and bring along your ID card.
To use the compound you will need to use a D-lock and have a Security sticker on your bike.
To access the compounds you will need to know the PIN number or your personal campus card (unique for everyone). You can obtain this number by visiting the campus card pages and signing in, using your University of Reading username and password.
Gated secure cycle parking compounds are located at Whiteknights beside the following buildings:
- Library
- Chemistry (Car Park 10)
- Harborne
- At the rear of RUSU (Car Park 4)
- Earley Gate, near Agriculture building
These locations can be seen on the map of Whiteknights cycle racks and secure cycle compounds.
Additional gated compound are available for Halls residents, access to these is arranged though the individual Halls receptions.
Other bike safety tips
- Use an approved D-lock.
- If you are not using one of our secure cycle compounds, we advise you to use one of our dedicated cycle racks.
- Visit Security to get a security label which is very hard to get off.
- Lock the frame of your bike to the locking point and whenever possible include the wheel(s), particularly if they are quick release, or take them with you.
- Never leave your bike unattended overnight unless in secure storage.
- Record make, model and serial number and any other unique identifying features.
- Enquire at Security or your local Police Station whether it is possible to have your cycle frame marked with your postcode followed by your house number.It is strongly recommended that you take out insurance cover.
- Register your bike on the national database at www.immobilise.com. This is the database that the Police will check in the event of any cycles being stolen and then recovered.
- Have a look at our Safe Cycling page which gives help and advice on various bicycle related issues and security hints and tips on how to secure your bicycle.
- Attend one of our On Your Bike days which include: Thames Valley Police bike security marking and safety advice and UoR Security team selling high quality heavily subsidised locks and lights. See upcoming dates.
In addition, Security Services offer a range of security equipment to help individuals protect themselves and their property, including high visibility vests, bicycle Lights and bicycle D-locks. These items are available to purchase from the Security Office in Whiteknights House.
Bike maintenance
- Our Safe Cycling page also includes a section on bicycle maintenance such as how to book a bicycle maintenance course, plus links to bicycle maintenance videos and other useful information.
- The University hosts regular Dr Bike sessions on campus to support you in choosing cycling as a green and healthy transport option. During Dr Bike sessions the mechanics carry out free safety checks and fixes where possible, charging for any parts that might be needed. These sessions usually take place on a Wednesday - take a look at our upcoming dates.
- We also have On Your Bike Day taking place on some Wednesdays throughout the year. Includes Dr Bike repairs, bike sale, bike accessories and helmets also available, as well as UniCycle Bike Hire. See upcoming dates.