Police warning over bike thefts this new year

In the UK, a bicycle is stolen every minute and fewer than 5 per cent of those are returned to their owners.

Police have issued tips on how to keep your bike safe and what to do if it is stolen:

-When you are not using their bike always secure it using a sturdy bike lock (D locks or combination locks are best).

-It is recommend that you spend a quarter of the bike’s value on a decent lock or chain.

-If leaving your bike in public, lock it to something secure like a bike rack or lamppost. If there are no bike racks, contact your local council to ask if they can put some in.

-If you chain it to railings, make sure it’s not causing an obstruction for pedestrians or other road users.

-Make sure the lock and bike are difficult to manoeuvre when parked.

-Keep the lock away from the ground and keep the gap between the bike and lock small, this makes it much harder to cut through.

-When parking your bike at home try to keep it out of public view in a secure shed or garage.

-Take out insurance, either by extending your home contents insurance or through a separate policy.

-Any removable items such as lights or pumps should be taken with you when you park up your bike.

-You can register your bike and get advice on security marking other items via the Immobilise website. This is the UK National Property Register that is supported by us locally and by other police forces across the country.

-Keep an eye out on the internet and social media too for details of local cycle marking events with your neighbourhood policing team, this can make it much easier to recover your bike if it should be stolen.

If you are a victim of bike theft you can report it online via our website, by calling 101 or at your local police station.

Always dial 999 in an emergency.