News
Cyclists urged to keep bikes secure
Dated: 26 Mar 2012
Cyclists in Newcastle are being urged to ensure their bikes are secure.
With the lighter evening and warmer weather more students will be using their bikes to travel around the city - often using a series of bike racks to lock up their bikes.
Police are reminding them to ensure they take crime prevention steps to ensure their bikes are as secure as possible.
Advice includes never leaving a bike unlocked and unattended - even if only for a few minutes - but instead always ensure it's locked to an immovable object.
The preferable lock to use is a D-lock - which are sturdier than chain locks - or a combination of locks.
At home, bikes should be kept out of sight and if kept in sheds, garages or outhouses should also be locked an immovable object.
PC Hayley Douglass, Newcastle East Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "I'd like to urge people to ensure their bike is safe and secure at all times, either kept in a locked place or secured using a specialist lock, preferably a D-Lock.
"Even if a bike is left unlocked in the street for a matter of minutes, opportunist thieves can take advantage."
Police teams across the city have been hosting crime prevention advice, which includes bike security events, and have targeted offenders and made arrests. They use CCTV to ensure bike racks in the city are monitored regularly.
PC Douglass: "I'm anxious not to discourage people from cycling in Newcastle, but as with anything, people should take responsibility for their belongings and not be complacent when choosing security or keeping it locked away safely."
Cyclists who use wire-based locks or smaller chain locks - which can often be easier to cut through - are encouraged to upgrade their locks to a 'D' style lock which are more robust and offer more protection for their cycles.
Anyone with information about cycle thefts is asked to contact police on 101 ext 69191.
More advice and information can be found on the crime prevention pages of the website, HERE