Cumbria Police are launching a new ‘Flickr’ site where victims of stolen bicycles can post pictures of their property in a bid to get them returned.
The ‘Flickr’ site will be predominantly promoted by a hashtag - #wheresmybike, which people can follow and interact with.
Followers will be encouraged to visit the “Flickr” site where the bike photograph including unique identifiers and location of the offence will be provided. If an offender is known or an identification made, please do not post directly on social media, contact Cumbria Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Craig Smith, Detective Inspector of the Force Intelligence Bureau, said “Bike theft is an increasing problem in Cumbria. Due to the soaring popularity of cycling, it is a crime that we would like to prevent from rising and help reunite victims of theft with their property.
“We are aiming to utilise social media to assist in our efforts to bring bike theft rates down. We believe that we can reach out to a wider audience by using social networking sites such as Flickr and Twitter highlighting where possible, stolen pedal cycles.”
In 2012, 910 bikes were reported stolen in Cumbria with the total valuation of the bikes stolen was over £480,000. In 2011, 941 bikes were reported stolen with the total valuation of the bikes stolen was over £380,000. So far this year, 377 bikes have been stolen with a total valuation of over £176,000.
Detective Inspector Smith added “With the Tour de Britain’s second leg being held in the county, as well as the picturesque setting which bikers can travel in, we expect to see a rise in the number of cyclists coming to the area.
“Thieves are opportunists and we would urge anyone who values their bikes to get them insured and to make sure it is locked up at all times when not in use. Treat your bike as if it was your car, you wouldn’t leave that unlocked.”
The Flickr site’s address is: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cumbriapolice/sets/
No comments:
Post a Comment