BIKE THEFT TARGETED
Date Published: 24/07/2012
Police In Penarth Put The brakes On Bike Theft
Police in Penarth have launched an operation to put the brakes on bike theft in the town.
Officers will be conducting extra patrols and providing cyclists with security advice over the summer period as part of Operation Alps.
Acting Inspector Darren Grady, who is leading on the operation, said: “There has been an increase in the number of bike thefts in Penarth over the last 4 months.
“Bikes are popular targets for thieves as an increasing number of people are investing in high-value models.
“As a result, officers will be conducting additional patrols and raising awareness of bike security in hotspot areas in order to keep thieves at bay.
“We want to remind residents that many burglaries and thefts are opportunistic, therefore it is important to ensure your property is secure in order to deter thieves and keep your bike safe.”
As part of the operation, officers have also been acting upon intelligence to recover stolen bikes in the area.
On Friday (20th July), an Orange Sub Zero mountain bike, worth approximately £600, was recovered from an address in Sully. The bike had previously been stolen from Queen St, Cardiff, in October 2011.
Acting Inspector Grady continues: “I want to warn thieves that their activities will not be tolerated in the Vale of Glamorgan and those responsible for such crime will be found and brought to justice.”
PC Richard Collins, Crime Reduction Officer for Safer Vale, said: “Our communities can support Operation Alps and help us to crackdown on bike theft by following some simple crime prevention advice.
“Always lock your bicycle wherever you leave it and invest in a good quality D-lock. Remember to lock the bike to an immovable object in a well-lit, busy public area.
“It’s important to keep your bike secure at home too; nationally, as many as half of all bicycles are stolen from the owner's home. If you keep your bike within a garage, shed or other such outhouse, please remember to secure your bike and lock that building at all times.
“If you own an expensive model, then make sure you keep your bike out of view of prying eyes and be vigilant when returning from rides.
“By working together, we can ensure that bike thieves are stopped in their tracks.”
Register your bike on the national property register for free by visiting www.immobilise.com
For further property security advice please contact Safer Vale on 01446 450200.
Anyone with information on crime in their community is asked to contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111