From a police perspective: Keeping your bicycle secure 

This month, Sgt David Lonsdale wants to raise awareness about protecting your bicycle. By following his top tips, you are sure to lower your risk of being a victim of bike theft.

Between January 2014 and August 2016, 1,858 bicycles were reported and recorded as stolen in the East Riding area.  Two key areas of concern in Goole are Boothferry Road, which had the most offences (31) within the outlined period, followed by Goole High School on Centenary Road.

PCSO Rosie Emerton is the nominated officer in Goole for bike theft reductions and will be working with the school to raise awareness about the importance of ensuring all bicycles are securely locked and the bike’s details, such as model number, are recorded by the owner.

Make sure you do all you can to protect your property by following these top tips:

1. If you haven’t done so already, register your bicycle frame number along with any pictures and other details you have on www.immobilise.com. Registration on Immobilise only takes a couple of minutes. All you need is your bike’s make, model, identifying number code(s) and a few photographs.

2. Invest in a quality ‘D’ lock to help reduce the risk of your bike being stolen.

3. Look at where you are storing your bike and make sure that your shed or garage is secured with a good-quality lock. Many shed windows are never used; if this is the case, why not screw them shut? Fitting mesh or steel bars across the window from the inside allows light to enter but means the thief has to go to a lot of trouble to remove them. Replace broken glass with laminated glass.

4. Consider buying a cycle anchor that can be bolted to the wall or floor of your shed, which your cycle can then be fastened to, or if you have several cycles, lock them altogether.

5. If you are having to leave your bike out on the street, where possible leave it in a well-lit area and lock both the frame and wheels to the bike stand. If there is no stand, ensure that it’s locked to secure street furniture, e.g. railings or a lamp post.