Police offer security advice to cyclists after spate of bike thefts

Cyclists in St Andrews are being urged to lock up their bikes after a spate of thefts.

Community Sergeant Neil Johnston of St Andrews Police Station said: “Due to a recent rise in the number of cycles being stolen, we are asking the residents and visitors to St Andrews to be vigilant and to make reasonable adjustments to their bike security.

“By doing this you hinder those involved in this type of criminality and keep your property safe.

“However, if you do see anything suspicious, call Police Scotland on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers and let us know.

“Any descriptions of individuals are helpful, along with makes, models, colour and registration numbers of any vehicles which may be linked to these crimes.”

Police said thefts had happened at various time and places throughout the night and day.

The stolen bikes range from low value ones which were not secured to more expensive cycles which had been chained.

Where bikes had been secured, thieves got past the locking mechanism.

Officers are therefore urging residents and the town’s student population to take reasonable steps to secure their property.

One way to make a bike more secure is to use two different types of lock.

Cyclists are urged to keep locks off the ground, where they could be vulnerable, and fasten the bike through the frame and wheel to a fixed object.

It is also advisable to secure bikes in a busy, well-lit place, in view of people or CCTV cameras, and choose a different place each time.