Police, PCC and Council offer free bike security to reduce theft

Hampshire Constabulary, the Police and Crime Commissioner, and Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council are holding a free event for bike owners in Basingstoke Market Square on Wednesday 27 October between 12:30pm and 4:30pm, to improve bike security and reduce theft in the district.

PCSOs will be fitting marking kits to bikes, and staff from the PCC’s office will help to get people signed up to BikeRegister. Permanently marking your bike and registering helps to identify and recover bikes if they are stolen, while Gold Standard locks approved by Secured by Design will help to deter and prevent bike theft from happening in the first place.

Anyone can turn up with a bike to get it marked and registered, and also bring your old bike lock to participate in the exchange for a gold standard lock.

The services they will be offering are:

• Bike Marking: Registering on BikeRegister means you could be reunited with your bike in the event of it being stolen. To reduce the chances of becoming a victim of cycle theft, security marking kits can be fitted. It’s a highly effective, visible deterrent to bike thieves. They know that if they are caught with a registered bike, the owner can be traced and they will be arrested.
• Bike Locks: An accredited bike lock will act as a strong deterrent to any thief. A Secured by Design approved Gold Standard lock has been tested to determine resistance against attack. The longer it takes a thief to break through a lock, the more likely they are to get caught.

This event is being funded as part of the Safer Streets project in Basingstoke. The Safer Streets Fund resources a range of proposals that contribute to Basingstoke being a safer place to live, work and visit. The work is being carried out in partnership with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and other important community partners. Find out more on the Safer Streets Fund page.

Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones said:

“The impact of theft can cause significant distress to victims. The invasion of your privacy can leave lasting effects. That’s why I’m ensuring these crimes are given the priority they need.”

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Planning and Infrastructure Cllr Simon Bound said: “Bike marking is an excellent way to protect your bike from being stolen. It takes just a few seconds, provides peace of mind and could deter thieves from stealing your bike.

“I would encourage all bike owners in the borough to take advantage of this great opportunity to have their bike marked completely free of charge.”

The event is taking place at the top of town, close to McDonalds and the Willis Museum.