Police Aim To Put Brakes On Bike Thefts

Theives are being told to get on their bikes - and off ours - today in Leeds. A day of action called "Operation Wiggins" is underway, run by <a class="article-body-link" href="http://www.btp.police.uk/ "British Transport Police"">British Transport Police. Officers are concerned not enough cyclists are considering cycle security - and say nationally 5,318 bikes were stolen with an estimated value of over £1.5million were stolen from Britain’s train stations alone.

They are holding a cycle surgery at Leeds staion all day today (Tue 9 Dec), handing out leaflets and crime prevention advice to commuters, as well as offering security marking for commuters' bikes.

Superintendent Jason Bunyard who is running Operation Wiggins said: "Over the past few years we have seen an increase in passengers using bikes to travel to and from railway stations.

"Following continued investments in cycling infrastructure, events such as the Tour de France and with people being more conscious of the environment and their health, there has been a huge surge in their popularity.

"Unfortunately, this has also provided increased opportunities for thieves due to them being relatively easy to steal and dispose of, so bikes sadly remain an attractive target for thieves.

"More bikes stolen will lead to in an increase in insurance claims resulting in higher insurance premiums for everyone."

He advises that correctly securing a bike using a good quality gold standard lock and ensuring your bike is marked and registered will deter a thief from stealing or attempting to steal a bike.

The majority of the 5,318 bikes stolen from the railway network last year were not secured correctly or had substandard locks.

Superintendent Bunyard added: "Thieves need to operate quickly to reduce their chances of being caught. Having a heavy duty lock will make their job much more difficult and they are more likely to abandon any attempt to steal your bike.

"Its quite surprising that someone would spend over £1,000 on a bike then use a £5 lock to secure it. We would always recommend spending at least 10% of the bike cost on an appropriate lock.

"Don’t be tempted in purchasing a bargain bike online, from someone on the street or down the pub either with no questions asked. You could be prosecuted for handling stolen goods and will be landed with a criminal record. Always insist on a proof of ownership and check the bike frame number on Bikeregister.com"

Fast Facts from British Transport Police:

• On average 7 bikes are stolen from train stations across the country every day

• Bikes with cable or chain locks accounted for 73% of thefts

• Only 5% of bikes using a D-Lock were stolen

• Most thefts take place between 6-7pm at night

• Monday is the day when most bikes are stolen- possibly due to being stored at stations over the weekend

Tips and advice to keep you bike secure:

• Get your bike security marked and register at www.Bikeregister.com. BTP regularly hold free marking events at stations- follow us on Twitter @btp_uk for the latest events - Record details of your bike, including the frame number and other distinguishing features and take a photo of it. This will be crucial in identifying and recovering your bike if its is stolen - Use locks of gold ‘sold secure’ standard and use two different types, with at least one being a high quality D-lock. It takes thieves a few seconds to cut through poor quality locks - make it as difficult for them as possible - Always lock your bicycle whenever you leave it at a designated cycle rack area. Lock the frame and both wheels to a cycle stand - Make the lock(s) and bike hard to manoeuvre. Secure your bike as close to the stand as possible - Take parts that are easy to remove with you, such as saddles or wheels or use secure skewers. Never leave computers of high value cycling gadgets on your bike - Always lock your bike in a recognised secure cycle parking area that is well lit and covered by CCTV. - If your bike is stolen please contact BTP on 0800 405040. Having your Bike Register number, a photo and any other details to hand may help us with our investigation