Over 50 bikes stolen in Barrow in two months

Police in Barrow say that in August and September this year there were 52 pedal cycles stolen in the area, resulting in a total loss to the owners of over £25,000.

The main areas which are being targeting are Risedale, Barrow town centre and the area around Furness College.

Sergeant Mark Rawlinson from Barrow Police said “If people take a few simples precautions to make their bike safe when they leave it, then we can significantly reduce the number of thefts in the area.

“You can significantly reduce the risk of having your bike stolen if you secure your property, using a strong cycle lock such as a D lock, locking the bike to something secure and ensuring that removable parts such as quick release wheels are also locked, will make your property less attractive to thieves.

“Anti-tamper cycle marking labels are a very good way of permanently marking bicycles and also increase the chances of your bike being traced and returned if it’s stolen and then recovered.

“Make sure your bicycle is secure whenever you leave it, both at home and when you’re out and about. We also ask that people contact the police if they think they are being offered a stolen bicycle for sale or suspect that someone is using a stolen cycle.

“If people are more security conscious about their bikes, then we can work together to reduce the number of thefts in the area.”

If the public have any information or see somebody acting suspiciously around a locked pedal cycle they should call 101 immediately.

Top Tips to keep your cycle safe:

At home

· Keep your bike in a secure garage or shed and keep the door locked and consider registering them at www.bikeregister.com or www.immobilise.com* (the world’s largest free register of possessions ownership which enables you to register items such as mobile phones, iPods,cycles and other valuables. In the event of a loss or theft this could help to identify true ownership and hopefully aid in the recovery of your possessions).

· Make sure you bike is out of public view.

· Secure your bike to an immovable object, or consider installing a floor or wall mounted anchor lock for extra security.

 

Out and about

• Always lock your bicycle, even if you are just leaving it for a couple of minutes.
• Avoid leaving your bike in isolated places. Leave it where a potential thief can be easily seen.
• Invest in a quality lock, two if possible. Two locks of different types will slow thieves down. Hardened steel D-shaped locks are recommended as the minimum standard.
• Lock your bike to an immovable object – a bike rack or ground anchor. Remember that thieves can remove drainpipes and lift bikes off signposts.
• Secure removable parts. Lock both wheels and the frame together. Take smaller parts and accessories with you, for example, lights, pumps and quick-release saddles.

For further help and advice visit the Cumbria Police website at www.cumbria.police.uk  or call 101 and ask to speak to your local Crime Prevention Officer.