Crackdown on bicycle theft

POLICE in Lincolnshire have launched a campaign called Stop The Cycle, to combat bicycle theft.

There has been a rising trend in bike theft across the county and the campaign aims to educate the public and target criminals.

Bicycle owners across Lincolnshire can have their bicycles electronically tagged at organised bike marking sessions.

The electronic devices allow police to trace owners via a national database should they be the victim of bike theft.

But as the crime increases it is more important for owners to have basic security when leaving their bicycle at home or in a public place.

Lincolnshire Police recommend that as a basic minimum, your bike should be ‘property coded’ and you should invest in a bicycle lock approved by www.soldsecure.com

You should always secure your bicycle to a robust structure such as a lamp post or bike rack, and choose a well lit place visible to members of the public, and in view of a CCTV camera if possible.

When you get home remember to secure your bicycle to a robust structure or locked shed.

As part of the Stop The Cycle campaign, neighbourhood police will carry out extra patrols using their stop and search powers to check bicycles are with the correct owner.

Trap bicycles will also be placed in various locations, and a tracking device deployed so criminals can be traced.

Victims of cycle crime should call 101 to see if their bike has been recovered.

Visit www.police.uk to see if there is a property marking event near you and get a free passport to record your bicycle’s unique details.

If you suspect someone of storing stolen bicycles, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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