Police in Norwich are launching a new BikeRegister bike marking initiative today in a bid to combat thefts.

Patrols carried out in the city centre have revealed the majority of cycles are not marked, with some being seized by police after being left unlocked.

Sgt Keith Philpot, from the Norwich East Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “We recognise that there has been a growth in the use of specialist cycles as a result of the Olympics and that many people cycle daily into the city for work and leisure.

“Far too many cycles are poorly secured and we hope this initiative will highlight the importance of using good quality locks and how marking can protect your bike.”

Officers will be outside The Forum on Millennium Plain between midday and 3pm, marking cycles and registering them on national database BikeRegister.

The action comes as cycles continue to be stolen across the city with officers targeting those suspected of stealing bikes.

Sgt Philpot said: “BikeRegister provides the latest technology in cycle marking. People may recall marking used to involve steel stamps with postcodes being hammered into bikes. Technology has moved on and we will be marking bikes using a resin compound which makes a permanent unique registration number for your bike.”

He continued: “Combined with the online registration system, it provides police officers with an instant online database of registered cycles across the UK and can act as a strong deterrent to thieves.

“We would encourage all cyclists to mark their bikes and register them online at www.bikeregister.com".

For more information and images: Angela Singleton, Selectamark Press Officer. Mobile: +44 (0)7905 623 819 or email:[email protected]

For further information and images contact: Jodie Fisher, Marketing Executive for Selectamark.

Phone: +44 (0)1689 487829
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @bikeregister