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December 2017
Your Views
Bradley Stoke Beat Team PC Jamie Shiels reports Security advice following spate of bike thefts
I
’d like to remind cyclists to make sure they always leave their bicycles secure after five push bikes were stolen within just ten days in early November. [Editor’s note: The article on page 7 provides an update on these statistics] Three were taken from Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre during the day on Monday 13th November. Another was stolen from the Willow Brook Centre at about 9.30pm on Monday 6th November and there was another stolen from the leisure centre during the day on Friday 3rd November. Some of the cycles were taken despite being locked. We’ve teamed up with one of the teenage victims to organise a bike marking event which is being planned for Saturday 6th January – we’ll let you know when the plans are confirmed.
Permanently marking your bike and any high-spec parts with your postcode could deter a thief, as it means they can be identified as stolen. A good quality lock, and securing the bike to an immovable object, can also make them think twice. We’d recommend checking out www. soldsecure.com for locks which have been tested and graded by locksmiths. Be prepared to spend around 20 percent of the value of your bike on a suitable lock. If you see anyone acting suspiciously around parked bikes, give us a call straight away. If they’re obviously committing a crime, ring 999; otherwise, call 101. We’d also like to hear from you if you have any information about those responsible for crime. You can get in touch online through www. avonandsomerset.police.uk,
or by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. If you’re getting someone a bicycle for Christmas, why not get them a lock at the same time – not forgetting lights and a helmet either!
● For further advice, search
for ‘Keeping your Bike Secure’ on the police website. Beat surgeries at the Willow Brook Centre Friday 8th December – 6pm to 7pm Wednesday 13th December – 12pm to 1pm Saturday 23rd December – 1pm to 3pm ASPolice Bradley Stoke @ASPTheStokes
Avon and Somerset Police website: www.avonandsomerset.police.uk
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