I had my bike stolen from the bike stands on Perry Vale next to Forest Hill Station last night.

Just a warning to others, I don't expect to get it back although the police have been very efficient taking details. I thought I had decent security in two cable locks but they seem to have just snipped through.

Oh well shanks pony for me for a while. Don't think I am insured, silly boy!!

The best way to keep your bike secure is to use two different styles of lock. The thief needs a different tool for each style. I always use a £80 + New York D-Lock and a £60 + chain lock. Touch wood... I have never had a bike stolen with this combination. The little toe rags can't be bothered to carry both tools or it's too time consuming to work on both styles.

Sorry your bike got nicked though. It's a horrible feeling. (One of mine got nicked before I learnt to the two style trick)

Horrible situation, I know the feeling. No use now, but worth taking 5 minutes to watch this from Barry from Southwark Cyclists before you buy your next bike.

http://youtu.be/oPDHPpnXPv8

Really sorry to hear. Having had a couple of bikes stolen over the last thirty years in London, I know what its like. If you do get another bike then do invest in the two different locks.

You could look at this website http://bikeshd.co.uk/
which is a photo website of recently advertised bikes

Thanks for your comments and wishes. What amazed me was the ease with which they cut through the two cable locks. I have invested in a D Lock now and borrowed a bike from my sister until funds allow.

I was walking past the bike stand yesterday and saw a really nice bike tethered by the same type of lock as I had. I did not have anything with me to leave a note saying get a proper lock, I just wanted to.

The bikeshd website was given to me by the police to lookout and see if it turns up there.

Once again thanks

Decided that I will replace the bike in the next few weeks using the bike to work scheme. Will use Vaidas or Comptons, unless anyone can recommend other retailers tied to this scheme.