News Release
Cracking down on bike thefts
Dated: 25 Nov 2010
Police in Gateshead are on track to cut bike thefts by visiting cycle retailers across the borough over the next few days.
As part of Northumbria Police's campaign focusing on acquisitive crime - 'Don't let thieves steal your Christmas' - officers are seeking the cooperation of bike retailers to add important crime prevention advice into bike information packs provided to new bike owners.
In particular officers are keen to urge new bike owners to register their ownership details on a free-for-life property register at www.immobilise.com It only takes a minute and all you need is the bike's make, model, frame and other identifying numbers.
Sgt David Pickett who is leading the team of officers carrying out the visits to bike shops in Gateshead town centre, the Metrocentre, Low Fell and the Team Valley retail park said: "Once people have registered their bike's details on the immobilise site they will have a greater chance of getting if back should it be stolen. This is because officers can view all this information via a special link to police computers. Therefore when we seize property thought to be stolen all we have to do is complete a simple search to check registered details and identify the bike's owner.
"People can also register other belongings such as TVs and electrical goods on the immobilise site. We want to make people aware of this site and get the message across that such thefts can be avoided by taking some simple security measures. Doing so helps to make it as difficult as possible for thieves to take and get away with your property."
Together with visits to local shops and high street stores, police are giving advice to the public about keeping their Christmas gifts out of sight and not having them on show, either in their car windows or at home.
Shoppers are reminded they should keep all receipts as proof of purchase in case any gifts are stolen and where possible, make payment with an insured credit or debit card.
As part of the campaign, leaflets, posters and marketing material with acquisitive crime prevention information are being distributed around the force area.
The forcewide initiative, aimed at ensuring the festive period is a happy one for law abiding residents, will continue beyond Christmas with the campaign ending on January 14.