By Isle of Wight ObserverCrime prevention advice issued following theft of bicycles on the Isle of Wight.
Police are reminding residents and visitors to the Isle of Wight of our crime prevention advice following the theft of a number of high value bicycles in recent weeks.
At some point between 8pm on August 4 and 7am the following morning two bikes, including a Specialized Camber 29 FSR, were stolen from Waverley Park Holiday Centre in East Cowes. Both bikes, which are worth a combined total of around £5000, were chained up outside of a caravan.
In the early hours of Thursday (August 9) four mountain bikes, including two Force Enduro models, were stolen from Thorness Bay Holiday Park. A fence that the bikes were locked to was damaged so that they could be removed.
On the same morning two road bikes worth a total of £5000, were stolen from the roof of a vehicle at Appuldurcombe Gardens Holiday Park.
Enquiries are ongoing to establish if any of the thefts are linked, thieves may have used a vehicle to transport the bikes.
If you’ve seen anything suspicious please call 101 quoting 44180301276.
Police would like to take this opportunity to remind people of the following crime prevention advice:
1. Register it
Get your bike security marked and registered at BikeRegister. 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. Immobilise is another free site where you can register your bike’s details.
2. Record it
Remember to record details of your bike such as the frame number (normally found underneath the bike between the pedals or where the back wheel slots in), the BikeRegister number plus any other distinguishing features, and take a photo.
3. Double-lock it
It can take thieves as little as few seconds to cut through some locks, so use two good quality locks, at least one of which is a D-lock.
4. Lock the lot
Lock the frame and both wheels to the cycle parking stand.
5. Secure it
Secure your bike as close to the stand as possible to give any thieves little or no room to manoeuvre.
6. Remove the removable bits
Take parts that are easy to remove with you. Or use locking skewers or nuts which can increase security by securing the bike’s components to the frame permanently, making it difficult for thieves to steal detachable parts.
7. Park secure
Lock your bike at recognised secure cycle parking. It should be well lit and covered by CCTV.
8. Remember safety begins at home
Take the same care to lock your bike securely at home as you would on the street.
9. Check ownership
Ask for proof of ownership and check the bike frame number on the Bike Checker at BikeRegister.
10. Act fast
If your bike has been stolen, contact us as soon as possible (you can report it to us online). Give us your frame number, BikeRegister number, a photo and any other details and make sure you update the status on BikeRegister. The sooner we know, the sooner we can act, which might stop it being sold on.
For more information please visit: https://www.hampshire.police.
