POLICE are calling on local people to help break the cycle of bike thefts in Warrington.
Over the past six months there has been a rise in the number of thefts of pedal cycles and motorbikes or scooters – 251 since April.
Now officers are urging owners to do all they can to break the cycle – and reduce the risk of being targeted.
In many cases the pedal cycles and motorbikes had been left unlocked and in full view of opportunistic thieves.
However, officers cannot rule out that some bikes – including expensive mountain bikes – might have been taken to order with the aim of selling them on to make a quick profit.
Inspector Andy Ross said: “Our officers are putting a lot of time and effort into reducing this type of crime and identifying those responsible.
“But pedal cycle and motorbike owners can play a big part in this by taking responsibility for their belongings and by passing on any information about these thefts to us.
“The majority of people are careful and take security seriously. But sadly there is still a minority who do seem to think very little about security and it is these people who are making life easy for the criminals.”
Pedal cycle and motorbike owners are being urged to be on their guard and to reassess their current security – and take steps to reduce the chance of being targeted by thieves.
Inspector Ross added: “It can be very tempting, when cycling around the town, to leave your bike propped against a wall while you pop into a shop. But it only takes a few seconds for a thief to pounce and ride away with your prized possession.
“Reassessing your current security measures and locking your bike with a strong chain, or purpose made device, will significantly reduce the chances of it being targeted.”
Over the past six months there have been 251 thefts of pedal cycles in the Warrington area. There have also been 58 thefts of motorbikes in the Warrington area during that period.
Officers have stepped up patrols in hot spot areas and are offering crime reduction advice to cyclists.
They are being urged to make a note of the serial number of their pedal cycle or motorbike and to take a photograph of it – this will help police to identify and recover the bike if it is ever stolen.
Cyclists should also consider having their bike security marked – this can be done using ultra violet pens or by using engraving or stamping tools.
