Number of bike thefts fall in Brighton and Hove

A police operation to tackle bike thefts in Brighton and Hove is proving a success, with the city hitting the lowest amount of reported stolen cycles in six months, Sussex Police said.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Dec 2017, 09:26 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 05:19 BST
The stolen bikes at Brighton Police Station (Photograph: Sussex Police)The stolen bikes at Brighton Police Station (Photograph: Sussex Police)
The stolen bikes at Brighton Police Station (Photograph: Sussex Police)

Operation Ensnare was launched by Brighton and Hove police at the end of September, to tackle to the rising number of bike thefts in the city.

Sergeant James Ward said: "The overall decrease across the Brighton and Hove division in November for reported pedal cycle thefts was 48 per cent, which is positive. In the east Brighton area we saw a drop of 71 per cent.

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"We have recovered dozens of stolen bikes and have been able to reunite some owners with their bikes. Recently we were able to give back a bike which had been bought by the owner's late grandfather and had great sentimental value. He thought he would never see it again so he was delighted to have it back."

Reuniting an owner with his bike (Photograph: Sussex Police)Reuniting an owner with his bike (Photograph: Sussex Police)
Reuniting an owner with his bike (Photograph: Sussex Police)

Police said they have made several arrests during the operation including detaining five teenage boys on suspicion of stealing bikes. They have been released under investigation.

The recovered bikes (pictured) are stored at Brighton Police Station.

Sgt Ward said: "We are making enquiries to try and trace the bike owners but if anyone who has had a bike stolen recognises it from the photo or wants to know if it has been recovered, should get in touch with us."

Contact police online or ring 101 quoting Operation Ensnare.