Bike owners warned after thefts
17 September, 2007
Nearly a third of bikes stolen across the Gedling, Broxtowe and Rushcliffe boroughs last year, between 1 August 2006 and 31 July 2007, were taken from sheds and other outbuildings.
Crime reduction manager Robert Vaughan Newton says: “ Sheds are not the best place to keep bikes, or any valuable items. The majority of sheds are made of timber structures and lack adequate security measures. They are also often located out of sight, at the bottom of the garden or on allotments.
Policies
“In many cases, home insurance policies may not cover the contents of sheds and garages. Where policies do cover such outbuildings, there will be an expectation for them to be secured appropriately and there may be a limit on the maximum value of items stored inside.”
“Every bike owner should take basic crime prevention advice. Have your bike cycle-coded, where your post-code and your house number or house name is marked onto the frame of your bicycle. It helps make the bike identifiable as yours if it’s stolen. You can do it yourself or look out for cycle-coding days held by local police or at certain retailers.
“When out and about, you should use bike locks and consider removing the wheels or the saddle to make it less attractive to thieves.”
Not exclusive
The problem is not exclusive to South Nottinghamshire and the figure is not the highest in the force area. All cyclists should be aware of what they can to reduce the opportunities of becoming a victim of crime.
Further crime prevention advice is available on www.nottinghamshire.police.uk/crimeprevention
By Editor.
