Police have been peddling cycle security to children in the run up to a force-wide operation encouraging people to mark their property to deter thieves.
The neighbourhood Police Community Support Officers visited Patchway Youth Club and Filton High School and helped the young people to mark their bicycles.
Neighbourhood Sergeant Steve Ives said: “Bike theft is one of the most commonly reported crimes. Bikes are worth a lot of money, so invest in a good-quality lock and use it.
“Marking your bike with your postcode does deter thieves, because it means that police can prove it is stolen. You can also register it for free at www.immobilise.com, a secure property database checked by police across the country.”
On Saturday December 12 2009 PCSO Rob Hendra visited Patchway Youth Club. He helped youngsters aged between nine and 13 to mark their bicycles and register them on the immobilise website.
Thanks to the support of the Southern Brooks Community Partnership and Halfords he also helped them to stay safe on the roads by fitting lights and handing out high-visibility jackets, bike locks and high-visibility stickers.
PCSO Hendra talked to the young people about the consequences of riding on the pavement – the chance of hurting themselves or other people and the possibility of a £30 fine.
On Monday December 13 2009, PCSOs Clare Evans and Dean Sobey 80 young people at Filton High School mark their bikes and record the details on the immobilise website.
Avon and Somerset police are encouraging people to mark their property with a day of events under Operation Relentless today, Thursday December 17 2009.
Chief Inspector Peter Warren said: “While South Gloucestershire is a safe place with low crime levels, people mustn’t be complacent about security. Most of our reported burglaries are from homes which have been left insecure.
“Most thefts from cars are when property like a sat nav has been left on view, and thefts of bikes which have been left unlocked. Criminals are opportunists – let’s not give them that chance.”
As part of today’s Operation Relentless patrolling officers will be checking homes and cars and giving security advice to those left vulnerable to thieves. Christmas shoppers at The Mall Cribbs Causeway will be given the chance to mark and register their property.
There will be high-visibility patrols in the Staple Hill area and bicycle marking on the cycle path.
Officers are running bicycle marking events throughout December and January – and offering the chance to win an £150 voucher towards cycling accessories.
Visit www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/cyclecompetition for more details. The competition closes on January 31 2010.
Source: Avon and Somerset Police
