We have been concentrating on reducing the levels of cycle theft in Portsmouth through the promotion of safety messages, as well as bicycle marking days and selling high quality 'D' locks at reduced prices.
The advantage of getting your bicycle security marked is that should it be lost or stolen, the police have a better chance of being able to return it to you! We have instant access to a 24-hour database showing the current registered owner of a security marked bike. So if we come across a stolen cycle marked bike, we'll know about it.
You can get your bicycle security marked through us, or at either Velocity Bikes or Cycle World for only £2.99. Both of these businesses are Hampshire Constabulary accredited cycle marking centres.
Bike Marking Dates 2012
We are hold Cycle Marking days throughout the year at various locations throughout the city. See below for more details:
Southsea
Dates to follow
Fratton
March 7 - London Rd 4.30-5.30pm
March 10 - Lacey Library, Tangiers Road 10am-12pm
April 7 - College Park 10-11am
April 7 - Ocean Retail Park 10am-12pm
May 5 - Morrisons 10am-12pm
June 2 - Lacey Library, Tangiers Road 10am-12pm
July 28 - Ocean Retail Park 10am-12pm
August 25 - Morrisons 10am-12pm
Portsmouth Central
Time: Between 10am and 4pm
April 4 - Arundel Street
May 9 - Arundel Street
June 27 - Arundel Street
July 25 - Arundel Street
August 22 - Debenhams/Barclays
August 29 - Debenhams/Barclays
September 14 - Arundel Street
October 6 - Debenhams/BarclaysFratton
Cosham
Dates to follow
If you can't make these days, we also offer cycle marking at the police stations. Simply call 101 and ask for your local Safer Neighbourhoods team, and we can arrange a time for get your bike security marked.
Bike Safety Tips
Bike theft is an ongoing priority for us, and we often find that the victims had sadly not properly secured their bike. Theives know what insecurities to look for, so we are offering the following tips for protecting your bicycle:
- Don't leave your bike unlocked, even for a minute
- Always lock through both the wheel and frame
- Use a good quality, strong bicycle lock (D lock style recommended)
- Never leave valuables with your bicycle
- Always use purpose built bike racks or cycle sheds
- If you have a garage or shed at home, use it and lock it
- Write down the make, model and frame number of your bicycle, and keep it in a safe place (ask us for a free cycle passport)
- Should your bike be stolen, a photograph of you with your bike will help to prove it's yours
- Get your bicycle security marked at one of our FREE cycle marking sessions
