DERBYSHIRE Constabulary and Derby City Council have teamed up with BikeRegister, the national cycle database, to offer bike security marking in Derby City.

Free bike marking events are available this January and February to coincide
with the launch of Cycle Secure Derby, a new campaign to tackle cycle crime in the city.

The council’s City and Neighbourhood Partnership along with Derbyshire police have purchased a number of bike marking kits which will be available on a first come first served basis. The kit works by marking the bike with a unique code, which is linked to the owner’s details on a secure database. If their cycle is stolen and subsequently found, police can use this code to ensure the bike is returned to its rightful owner.

Councillor Asaf Afzal, Cabinet Member for Cohesion and Integration, said: “Bikes are always a popular gift at Christmas time, so anyone who received one should make sure they get theirs securely marked in case they’re unfortunate enough to have it stolen.

“Cycling has increased in popularity in recent years but unfortunately bikes have also become increasingly popular for opportunist thieves. 

“I'd encourage cyclists to take reasonable precautions to secure their bike when around the city. This registration scheme is extremely effective in tracing stolen bikes but we prefer them not to be stolen in the first place.”

When it comes to spending money on securing bikes, the City and Neighbourhood Partnership say in most cases 10% of the value of the bike should be spent on quality locks available from numerous outlets.

Sergeant Mark Preston from Derbyshire police said: “We have worked hard to reduce the number of bike thefts in the city last year however between April 2015 and Dec 2015 there were still approximately £250,000 worth of bikes stolen in Derby City.

“All too often we see bike thefts that could have been easily prevented with better security. Bike owners can take simple measures to ensure their bike is as secure as possible and difficult for thieves to steal.  I’d encourage bike owners to invest in good quality D-Locks or similar quality locks and where appropriate, make use of the free secure cycle parking at Park Bikeworks in the city.

“Bike marking is equally important, as it primarily acts as a visible deterrent to would-be thieves and secondly it makes it easier for the bike to be found and return it to its rightful owner and help to secure a successful prosecution against thieves.”

There will be a number of bike marking events over the year and officers will also be visiting cycle and second hand shops to promote ‘BikeChecker’. 

BikeChecker is a free service for people purchasing a second-hand bike, which allows you to check that the bike is not listed as stolen on the BikeRegister database (www.bikeregister.com).

Details of the events being held are as follows:

Friday, January 15 , 0730 – 1000 , Park Bike Works, Full St, Derby.

Saturday, January 16, 10am – 2pm, Samways Cycles, Ashbourne Road, Derby

Tuesday, January 19, 1700-1900, Derby Velodrome, Pride Park, Derby

Saturday, January 23, 10am – 2pm, Hawks Cycles, London Road, Derby

Saturday, January 30, 10am – 2pm, The Bike Shop, Monk Street, Derby

Sunday, January 31, 10am – 2.30pm, Prince Charles Ave, Mackworth, Derby.

Saturday, February 6, 12 midday – 4pm, Park Farm Shopping Centre, Allestree, Derby

Sunday, February 7, 12 midday – 4pm, Co-op store, Ashbourne Road, Derby

Saturday, February 13, 10am – 2pm, Cyclo Monster, Derby Road, Spondon, Derby

Saturday, February 20, 10.30am – 2.30pm, Morley area of Derby

Saturday, February 27, 12 midday – 4pm, Markeaton Craft Village, Markeaton Park, Derby

Sunday, February 28, 12 midday – 4pm, Darley Park cycle route, Darley Park, Derby

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

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