Avon and Somerset Police in Bath are staging a special cycle security awareness day in the city centre this week to encourage people to take more steps to prevent their bike from being stolen.
Crime prevention and uniformed officers will be manning a stand at the bottom of the Southgate shopping centre from 10am-3pm on Wednesday August 22.
They’ve teamed up with suppliers Avon Valley Cyclery to provide information and practical demonstrations of the best way to lock and secure your bike. They will also demonstrate how easily a pair of bolt croppers can cut through cheap and poor-quality cable locks and chains.
Crime prevention officer Beth Shire said: “Cycling is growing in popularity, particularly after the Olympics, and we want to tell people about the simple things they should do to stop themselves becoming a victim of crime.
“People are prepared to spend a significant amount of money on a bike – but then fit an inferior lock that is no deterrent to a determined thief.”
Since April in Bath and North East Somerset there have been 146 bikes stolen, worth nearly £70,000.
Police say all owners should:
- Make a note of your bike’s name, model and frame number
- Take a photograph of your bike
- Security mark your bike and register it at BikeRegister.com for free
- Use two strong Sold Secure-approved locks, which should cost 10% of the cost of your bike
- Don’t leave your bike in an isolated place
- Always lock it when leaving it, secure to proper stands or robust street furniture
- Lock your bike through the frame and wheels
- Remove parts that can’t be secured, especially lights, pumps and quick-release saddles.
