Barrow police cracking down on bike thefts

Police in Barrow are cracking down on those criminals who are stealing bikes in the local community in an aim to bring them to justice.

Officers on patrol are stopping and checking cyclists on a regular basis, and this has resulted in a number of arrests. In recent weeks, six warrants have been executed, eight men have been arrested on suspicion of theft and six cycles recovered.

As we approach Christmas, many people will be buying cycles, as gifts. In addition to accessories such as helmets and lights, a couple of pound spent on locks with a willingness to use them will deter all but the most determined of thieves.

Temporary Inspector Ian McClymont of Barrow police said “Many of the cycles that are being stolen are of high value. People do leave them unlocked and sadly they are stolen very quickly. Simple crime prevention measures will reduce the opportunities for thieves to steal cycles. The fact that people are spending a lot of money on these bikes should encourage them to invest in a lock to make sure that it is secure and make difficult for thieves to steal it.

Barrow police will be promoting some cycles marking events after Christmas, and will be involved in a County wide initiative to encourage everyone to have their bike marked.

Ian McClymont added “Our proactive work will continue, having your bike marked may not prevent it from being cycle being stolen, but it will assist in its identification and if stolen, its recovery and return to its rightful owner. There is clearly a market for cycles, and we intend to make it uncomfortable for thieves to operate. The arrests that we have made should reduce the number of cycles being stolen."

Anyone with any information on cycle theft, or who knows who may have a cycle that is stolen, should contact Barrow police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111