Campaign launched to reduce level of bike thefts

CRIMESTOPPERS and Charnwood Borough Council have launched a campaign to encourage people to keep their bikes safe.

In 2016/17, a total of 360 bike thefts were reported in Charnwood.

This new year, a campaign will encourage people to ‘mark it, lock it, report it’.

Kick-started with a bike marking session in the Market Place, Loughborough last week, the campaign will consist of social media alongside the placement of orange bikes and signs in theft hotspots to boost awareness.

Lydia Patsalides, Crimestoppers’ East Midlands regional manager, said: “Cycling is a great way for people to see our wonderful county as well as staying fit and healthy, but bike thefts are hugely disruptive and distressing.

“Many bikes that are stolen aren’t safely secured, they may use inadequate locks.

“Quite often bikes are deconstructed and different components sold on, but marking can help easy identification and prevent this type of crime in the future.

“Mark it, lock it, report it are three simple steps every cyclist can take to cut down on bike thefts across Charnwood.”

Coun Brian Page, Lead member for communities, safety and wellbeing, added: “We’ve teamed up with Crimestoppers to help encourage people to report bike theft, but to also remind people to keep their bikes safe.

“If you were lucky enough to receive a bike for Christ- mas, remember to keep it locked and marked.

“Our bright orange bikes will also be in hotspots around the town, to capture people’s attention and let potential thieves know that we don’t tolerate theft.”

Alongside the campaign, Crimestoppers and Charnwood Borough Council will be encouraging cyclists to register their bike with Immobilise – the UK National Property Register with free bike lights and locks offered as an incentive. Marking kits will also be available.

Crimestoppers empowers members of the public to stand up to crime safely by passing on information anonymously.

The information received through Crimestoppers is passed on to law enforcement and can be vital for investigations and crime reduction.

To report any information, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Pictured is Sarah Fisher, Community safety officer at Charnwood Borough Council marking one of the bikes at the event in Loughborough Market Place.

Pictured from left to right are PSCO Fiona Lacey and Sarah Fisher, Community safety officer at Charnwood Borough Council.