Avon and Somerset Policw are urging local people to think cycle security this summer in light of a recent operation across Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
Although the number of reported bike thefts fell consistently between 2009 and 2013 from 2,959 to 2,273 – a 23% decrease – last year there was a small increase of over 100.
On average, more than 2,000 bikes are stolen in the Bristol area every year.
There are lots of ways of securing and protecting your bike, but the top three things you can do are:
- Use a decent D Lock – instead of a cable lock or combination lock;
- Always secure to a proper stand or immovable object wherever you are;
- Make a record of your serial number just in case the worst happens, that way we can identify your bike if it is recovered.
If you are a regular and keen cyclist who uses a tracking app and you share things on social media, be careful also not to give away the location of where you keep your bike.
Police are issuing crime prevention advice around bike security as part of their ‘Do one thing’ summer campaign to encourage people to take simple measures to help in preventing crime.
Advice on preventing burglary and tackling anti-social behaviour is also available here.
