Avon and Somerset police offer cycle security advice

Avon and Somerset Police’s Neighbourhood Team will be peddling security marking to cyclists using the Bristol to Bath cycle track on Sunday, August 23.

Neighbourhood PCs and Police Community Support Officers will be at Avon Valley Railway Station, Bitton, offering to security-mark bicycles and give advice on cycle security and safety.

With cycling booming, and with the growing popularity of riding to work, some cyclists are failing to protect their bike properly, meaning rich pickings for bike thieves. Research indicates a bike is stolen in the UK every 65 seconds so this could be a fantastic opportunity for anyone in Bristol and Bath to take advantage of security measures.

PCSO Ashley Rowland said: "It only takes a few minutes to mark a bicycle with your post code. That mark could deter a thief from stealing it, and if you were unlucky enough to have it taken, would help police identify it as stolen. We'll also be offering advice on cycling safely and other bike security tips."

Staff from cycle servicing firm Rolling Resistance will join officers at the event to give maintenance advice and carry out minor repairs. Anyone is welcome to the session, which will run from 10am-4pm.

There's lots of information on cycle security on the police website, www.avonandsomerset.police.uk.

Tips include:

• choose a 'Sold Secure' lock
• lock your bike to an anchor plate in a locked shed while not in use,
• always lock your bike when you leave it – lock it to an immovable object like a lamp post if there are no bike racks,
• ensure the lock secures both the wheels and frame,
• register your bike with www.immobilise.com,
• and when buying second hand, make sure the seller owns the bike