Beat the bike thieves, warn police

Officers from Wentworth North Safer Neighbourhood Team visited Ventura House at Manvers to offer advice and hand out locks.

They were also able to register for the Selectamark security tool—which marks the bike with a code and makes it easy to identify if stolen and recovered.

Pc Craig White said: “The majority of cycle thefts are opportunist thefts. We are all guilty of just nipping into a shop for a minute or two and leaving our bikes outside unattended or getting back home and leaving it in the back garden.

“The problem is that a thief only needs a minute or two to notice your bike is insecure, jump onto it and cycle away.

“These stolen bikes are either dumped, sold off to buyers who don’t realise they’re stolen, or even sold for scrap metal.”

The SNT will carry out further security workshops in the coming weeks. Their top security tips include:

• Registering on a database like Immobilise.com or Bikeregister.com and keep a photo and record the frame number, brand and other details.
• Invest in a decent lock—and use it. Specialist cycle shops can provide advice on suitable and approved locks and how to use them effectively.
• Keep bikes locked and preferably out of sight in garages or inside your home, especially during the night.
• If you are keeping your bike in a shed or garage, make sure that it is secure and any windows covered, not leaving the bike on show. Shed alarms can be bought and installed for added security.