January 12th 2016

Free bike markings are available this January and February as Derby City Council work in partnership with Derbyshire police with the launch of Cycle Secure Derby – a new campaign to tackle cycle crime in the city.

The 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 back to its rightful owner.

Councillor Asaf Afzal, Cabinet Member for Cohesion and Integration, says: “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.

For anyone who has had a new bike for Christmas or who simply wants to protect their existing one come along to one of the following locations:

  • Friday 15th January , 7am – 10am, Park Bike Works, Full Street
  • Saturday 16th January, 10am – 2pm, Samways Cycles, Ashbourne Road
  • Saturday 23rd January, 10am – 2pm, Hawks Cycles, London Road
  • Saturday 30th January, 10am – 2pm, The Bike Shop, Monk Street
  • Sunday 31st January, 10am – 2.30pm, Prince Charles Avenue, Mackworth
  • Saturday 6th February, 12 midday – 4pm, Park Farm Shopping Centre, Allestree
  • Sunday 7th February, 12 midday – 4pm, Co-op Store, Ashbourne Road
  • Saturday 13th February, 10am – 2pm, Cyclo Monster, Derby Road, Spondon
  • Saturday 20th February, 10.30am – 2.30pm, Morley area of Derby
  • Saturday 27th February, 12 midday – 4pm, Markeaton Craft Village, Markeaton Park
  • Sunday 28th February, 12 midday – 4pm, Darley Park cycle route, Darley Park