Vigilance urged as high end bikes are stolen

Bike owners are asked to be vigilant.

It’s after the theft of a number of high-end bicycles across the district.

Mid Ulster Policing and Community Safety Partnership are encouraging owners to be vigilant.

Bikes should be locked away and owners should sign up to the BikeRegister database.

To help prevent local bike owners from becoming victims of crime, the PCSP in partnership with PSNI and cycling clubs have held a number of bike marking events in the Mid Ulster area. 

 These events provided cyclists with the opportunity to have their bikes marked free of charge.

Details of the bicycle and the owner are then added to the BikeRegister database.

The system is an essential crime prevention tool that is used by every UK Police Force.

While registering on BikeRegister may increase the chance of your bike being returned safely to you in the event of theft, it does not help prevent it from being a potential target for thieves.

 PCSP Chairperson, Councillor Frances Burton, is urging all bike owners to follow safety advice to ensure they don’t become victims.

“The PCSP would encourage all bike owners in the district to consider the value of their bike and take the necessary precautions to keep it from becoming an easy target for thieves, either by always using a bicycle lock or by keeping it in a secure building. Keep it Safe, Keep it Locked,” she says.

 The following tips will assist people to ensure their bike is safe from criminals:

·  Do not leave bicycles in isolated places

·   Always lock a bicycle when leaving it, even if it’s only for a few minutes

·   Lock bicycles through the frame

·   Secure bikes to proper cycle stands or robust furniture

·   Secure or remove wheels

·   Remove smaller parts and accessories that can’t be secured

For advice on how to deter the thieves and prevent bicycle theft, or for further crime prevention advice, contact the Police non-emergency number on 101 or visit www.bikeregister.com to register your bike.