Summer is without doubt the time to get your bike out and get those pedals turning.
Unfortunately bikes are also a popular target for thieves – and if yours is taken, there’s a much better chance of getting it back if it’s property marked.
Registering your bike helps police and retailers identify and verify the legitimate owner of bikes that have been stolen or are being resold. Security marking your bike deters potential thieves as your bike can be easily traced if it is stolen. If you want to insure your bike, many insurance companies will ask you to security tag your bicycle.
As well as promoting health and well being and environmentally friendly transport South Bucks/Chiltern District Council is encouraging residents to be more conscious of how secure their bikes are and if they haven’t already, get them marked to reduce the risk of theft. While some bicycles are returned to their owners, most are never seen again because they have no markings on them.
North and East Swindon Police will be holding a bike marking event at the Orbital Centre on Saturday the 27th of May 2017 between 4.30pm-6.30pm and everyone is welcome to bring their bikes along.
Aside from bike marking there are other ways of preventing and reducing the risk of bike theft:
Keep your bike in a locked garage or shed, as more than half of bike thefts take place on the victims’ properties.
Always lock your bike when you are leaving it, use a strong lock and secure it to a bike rack where possible; as thieves can lift bikes over signposts especially if the lock is loose.
When you lock up your bike make sure it is in an open space where it can be seen.
