Rother residents encouraged to make their bicycles more secure
Rother residents encouraged to make their bicycles more secure
07 February 2012
Rother Neighbourhood Police Team is advising local
residents to take more care when parking their bicycles due to
the recent rise in bicycle thefts.
Inspector James Scott said: "Unfortunately we have seen a
dramatic increase in the theft of bicycles over recent months, and
would like to take this opportunity to advise bike owners of some
simple precautions they can take to secure their bikes:
• When buying a bike, budget for security. You will need one
or more locks and somewhere secure at home to keep your bike.
• Record and register your bike. Take a clear colour
photograph of your bike and make a written record of its
description, including any unique features, so that you can report
it accurately if it is stolen - this will help prove it is yours if
it is recovered by the police. Add an additional security mark or
tag to your bike, this will again make it easier to identify as
yours.
• Always lock your bicycle, even if you are just leaving it
for a couple of minutes. Think about using two different types of
lock and lock both wheels and the frame of your bike to the bike
stand or other immovable object.
• Make sure you don't buy a stolen bike. By buying a stolen
bike you are helping to support the illegal trade in bikes - the
next stolen bike to be bought could be yours! Do what you can to
check it is from a legitimate outlet, and that they are sure it is
not stolen. If it seems suspiciously cheap, ask yourself 'why?'.
You may be able to check the ownership of a bike you intend to
purchase by searching a property register such as 'Immobilise', or
asking for proof of purchase or ownership.
• Don't create a market in which thieves can operate. If no one
bought stolen bicycles there would be no reason to steal them.
If you think you are being offered a stolen bicycle please
ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Foe more information
visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Inspector Scott continued: "I would really encourage bicycle
owners to follow the advice given above in order to make it as hard
as possible for thieves operating in the area.
"I would also take this opportunity to ask people to make sure
they buy bicycles from legitimate outlets, and if purchasing them
from a private seller that ownership of the bicycle is checked. I
must point out that if a bicycle has been purchased but
later found to be stolen, then it will be seized by the
police."
