Cycling has long been a favourite mode of transport across the UK: it's cheap, green, and often faster than sitting in traffic. But whether you're pedalling to lectures, commuting to work, or heading out for a scenic ride, there's one nagging fear most cyclists share: will your bike still be there when you get back? The risk of bike theft is, unfortunately, a growing reality. With more people hopping on two wheels, the opportunities for thieves have multiplied, too. But have you ever wondered which cities in the UK are the worst for bike theft in 2025?

To shed light on the problem, the research team at VelociRAX, a company that specialises in bike racks, looked at the numbers to pinpoint the areas where bicycle theft is most common. The study used the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to calculate theft rates per 1,000 people.

Their methodology involved analysing recorded crime data specifically on bicycle thefts, covering 301 cities across the UK. Each city was ranked from the worst to the best based on how many thefts occurred relative to the population size, giving a clear picture of where cyclists are most at risk.

Hammersmith and Fulham, in west London, ranks in third place with a rate of 5.8 thefts per 1,000 people. With its riverside paths and easy access to the Tube, it’s an area where cycling is both convenient and popular, particularly for short-distance travel to work or shops. However, that convenience comes with a cost, as many bikes are left briefly unattended in busy locations, often for all the time a thief needs.

Hammersmith and Fulham named third worst place in the UK for bike theft

placeholder image — Hammersmith and Fulham named third worst place in the UK for bike theft

The borough’s smaller size and dense population means a high concentration of cyclists. Limited secure bike parking, especially near public transport hubs like Hammersmith and Barons Court stations, adds to the problem. Despite police warnings and local council initiatives, residents report ongoing issues with stolen bikes vanishing in broad daylight.

Meanwhile, Cambridge tops the list with 8.8 thefts per 1,000 people, with Oxford in 2nd at 6.7. Westminster ranks 4th with 5.5, just ahead of Hackney in 5th with 5.1. Camden and York both sit in joint 6th place, each with 4.4.

Cardiff and Tower Hamlets follow with 3.8 per 1,000 each, and Kensington and Chelsea takes 10th place with 3.6 thefts per 1,000 residents.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, the Isles of Scilly is the safest spot in the UK for bike owners, reporting a grand total of zero thefts. Meanwhile, areas such as South Staffordshire, Pembrokeshire, Rutland, and Staffordshire Moorlands all recorded just 0.1 thefts per 1,000 people, making them some of the most secure places to park your bike.

Other notable entries include Burnley in 150th place with 0.6 thefts per 1,000 people, Sheffield in 126th with 0.7, and Sunderland in 88th with 1.0. Cities like Milton Keynes, Swansea and Liverpool all hovered around 1.1, placing them closer to the middle of the pack. Meanwhile, Blackpool and Leeds sat side by side in 55th and 56th place, both at 1.4.

Further up the risk ladder, Newcastle upon Tyne and Portsmouth placed 33rd and 34th respectively, each recording 1.9 thefts per 1,000 people. Nottingham followed in 28th at 2.0, and Manchester made the top 25 at 2.3 thefts per 1,000, not quite among the worst, but certainly not risk-free either.

Top 20 list of the cities with the most bicycle thefts:

Rank	Local Authority name	Bicycle theft per 1,000 people
1	Cambridge	8.8
2	Oxford	6.7
3	Hammersmith and Fulham	5.8
4	Westminster	5.5
5	Hackney	5.1
6	Camden	4.4
6	York	4.4
8	Cardiff	3.8
8	Tower Hamlets	3.8
10	Kensington and Chelsea	3.6
11	Islington	3.4
12	Southwark	3.3
13	Reading	3.1
14	Richmond upon Thames	3.0
14	Norwich	3.0
16	Lincoln	2.8
16	Kingston upon Hull, City of	2.8
20	Kingston upon Thames	2.7
20	Brighton and Hove	2.7
20	Cheltenham	2.7