Bikes security marked and returned to rightful owners in cycle security event

More than 50 bikes were security marked on Thursday (27 October) at a bicycle marking event held by Hampshire Constabulary, Portsmouth City Council and the University of Portsmouth.

The event, which was free for all members of the public to attend, gave Portsmouth’s residents the opportunity to get their bicycle security marked. Fifty-six bikes were marked with a unique code and added to the national Bike Register database, meaning it’s easier for police to reunite stolen bikes with their owners. It can also act as a deterrent to would-be thieves as the bike is permanently marked, making it more difficult to sell.

We were also able to return an electric bike, reported stolen two weeks ago, to its owner. Because the bike was registered on the Bike Register database and the frame number recorded we were able to locate the owner and return the bike to him.

PCSO Wendy Clark said: “We were really pleased that so many people came along to the event and that we were able to assist them in protecting their bikes. We were also thrilled to be able to return a bike to its rightful owner, demonstrating how useful it can be to register your bike and record the details in the unfortunate event that it is stolen.

“We know that bike theft is a concern to Portsmouth residents and we fully understand how distressing it is to be a victim of this type of crime, and the impact that it can have. We’re working hard to try to reduce the number of cycle thefts in the city via targeted patrols, work to disrupt and arrest known offenders and events such as this which will help bike owners in the city to add a higher level of security to their property.”

Cllr Lynne Stagg, Cabinet Member for Traffic and Transportation, said: "I'm delighted to hear that so many people attended last week's bike marking event. Hearing this great news about the electric bike reassures me that the bike register scheme is making a positive difference to people who cycle.

"I would urge bicycle owners to come along to one of November's events and help the Police continue to tackle bike crime in the city. We're continually striving towards cleaner air for everyone who lives, works, visits and studies here so let's help people to keep cycling, and move Portsmouth towards a more sustainable future."

Ian McCormack, Energy and Environment Manager at the University of Portsmouth, said: “The University is really pleased to host these bicycle security awareness events to help the local community and university students and staff protect their bicycles. We're looking forward to hosting further events on campus in November and encourage people to come along and get their bikes security marked.”
 

We will be holding two more events in November – the first of these will be on Thursday 10 November between 2pm and 4pm at the Lion Gate building, the second will be on Thursday 24 November between 1.30pm and 3.30pm between the university library and Ravelin Sports Centre.

Top tips for cycle security

• Fit a good bike lock, such as one with a Sold Secure rating, and attach your bike to something secure. We sell good quality D locks at a reduced price at the Eastern Police Investigation Centre on Airport Service Road.
• Always lock your bicycle, even if you are only leaving it for a couple of minutes.
• Have your bike’s frame security marked.
• Keep your bike in a secure garage or shed when at home.
• If you have quick-release wheels, lock them up or take them with you.
• Remove lights from your bike and take them with you.
• Register your bike with schemes such as Bike Register or Immobilise.