Key Points:
- Hackney recorded the highest number of bike thefts in London, with 1,363 incidents in the year ending April 2025.
- Rate of 4.8 thefts per 1,000 residents, almost triple the London average of 1.7.
- Camden, Westminster, and Islington follow closely with 3.9 thefts per 1,000 people.
- Only 1% of bike thefts in London result in a positive outcome, such as arrest or prosecution.
- Lawtons Solicitors conducted the analysis using Metropolitan Police data.
- Andy Hobdell of Lawtons Solicitors warns of widespread underreporting and low prioritisation by police.
- Bike thefts remain a “low-priority crime”, with few suspects identified due to lack of ties with victims.
- Recommendations include registering bikes, keeping receipts, and using proper locks.
- Survey reveals 5% of UK households consider bike theft “something that happens”.
- Less than half of stolen bikes were locked at the time of theft.
Hackney has officially been named the worst borough in London for bicycle theft, according to new data analysis reported by Holly Brencher of Hackney Gazette, which reveals a rate nearly three times the London average.
Why is Hackney topping the list for bike theft in London?
As reported by Hackney Gazette journalist Holly Brencher, an investigation conducted by Lawtons Solicitors, based on Metropolitan Police figures, shows that Hackney suffered 1,363 reported bike thefts in the year to April 2025. This equates to 4.8 thefts per 1,000 residents, placing the borough at the top of the list.
Comparatively, the average for London stands at 1.7 thefts per 1,000 people. Other boroughs faring poorly include Camden, Westminster, and Islington, each recording a rate of 3.9 thefts per 1,000 population, followed by Tower Hamlets at 3.7.
The rise in thefts corresponds with an increase in cycling across the capital. Londoners now make an estimated 1.33 million cycle journeys daily, according to Transport for London figures referenced in the analysis.
What do experts say about the surge in thefts?
Speaking to Hackney Gazette, Andy Hobdell, criminal solicitor and partner at Lawtons Solicitors, described the issue as “widespread,” noting that while there have been some improvements, bicycles remain an easy target for thieves.
“There is a widespread issue concerning bike theft in the UK, and despite improvements in bike crime rates, they continue to be heavily targeted by thieves,” Hobdell told Hackney Gazette’s Holly Brencher.
He pointed to the ease with which thieves can commit the crime and escape undetected as a significant factor:
“One major factor contributing to increasing theft is that it’s still so easy for criminals to get away with the offence. Unfortunately, suspects aren’t being identified because there’s usually no relationship between themselves and the victim, and it’s a relatively low-priority crime for the police to pursue.”
Hobdell also criticised the lack of ownership documentation:
“Beyond this, most owners often don’t document the ownership of their bikes, making it difficult to prosecute even if the perpetrator is caught.”
What can cyclists do to protect their bikes?
In guidance issued via Hackney Gazette, Andy Hobdell stressed the importance of preventative measures:
“It’s important that you register your bike to help you recover it if it’s stolen. Hold on to your receipt, make a record of the serial number and register your bike with a bicycle marking and registration scheme.”
He said that a combination of marking and registration not only deters theft but also aids recovery by police if the bicycle is found.
How serious is the bike theft problem in London?
Data cited by Hackney Gazette reveals a disproportionately low resolution rate, with only 1% of thefts leading to a positive outcome—meaning an arrest, prosecution, or conviction.
The Crime Survey for England and Wales found that 5% of households view bike theft as “something that just happens”. Moreover, a notable proportion of victims failed to take simple precautions:
Less than half of the people who had a bicycle stolen during the 2024 financial year said their bike was locked at the time, often due to assumptions that their area was safe.
Where are bikes being stolen from?
The Hackney Gazette report highlights the types of locations targeted by thieves:
- 49% of thefts took place in semi-private areas, such as outside homes, garages, or car parks.
- 40% of incidents occurred outside or near homes—often unmonitored and unprotected.
- Afternoons and weekdays were the most common times, with 29% of thefts happening during the afternoon, and 27% at night.
What’s being done to tackle the issue?
While the report did not detail specific actions by Hackney Council or the Metropolitan Police, the low detection rate and high prevalence indicate that more needs to be done, particularly in areas with high cycling activity such as Hackney.
Bike thefts in the capital are not just opportunistic but, in some cases, violent and organised, a trend that has prompted calls for stronger deterrents and more robust policing.
