Taunton Deane makes way for race day

Local Police officers and PCSOs were outside Six Cyclesthe other day offering a marking and registration service for any cyclists. Staff from Six Cycles and Ralph Colman's were on hand to advise cyclists on maintenance and provide a repair service. A further event will also be held on Wednesday September 29th in Taunton.

The warmer weather has tempted out more cyclists and the theft of pedal cycles has, sadly, slightly increased over the summer. As a result, police are reminding the public to remember to lock their bikes up, not only when out and about, but when they are stored at home.

PC Polly Livingstone from Taunton Police Station said: "We want to remind cyclists to lock their bikes, not only when they are leaving them around town but also to make sure they are kept safe and secure when they are stored at home.

"Getting your bike marked and registered does deter some thieves from stealing them as they are harder to re-sell and it helps us reunite owners with their property should they be lost or stolen and recovered."

PC Livingstone added: "We are still seeing quite a few insecure bicycles around town, and some of those that have been locked up are still fairly vulnerable as people are using either cheap locks or an incompatible style of lock with their bike.

"We would also ask people to think about where they are buying their bikes from. Don't help to create a market in which thieves can operate. When buying a second-hand bike, make sure the seller owns it. When buying a new bike, purchase from a recognised dealer".

PC Livingstone's top tips for bike security are:
• Invest in a heavy duty lock, the best you can afford that is a suitable style for you bike – make sure it reflects the value of your bicycle. £40 or approximately 20% of the value of your bike is a good guide.
• Lock the bike up even when at home and preferably store it in a locked garage or shed out of view.
• Get your bike marked by police or your local cycle shop and registered on a website such as Bike Register.com – it makes it easier for police to trace the owners if it is stolen and can also act as a deterrent. Consider electronic tagging.
• Where possible lock your bike in a specific bike park or in the site of a CCTV camera. Try not to lock your bike in the same place on a regular basis to decrease the chance of it being stolen to order.
• Take out insurance on your bike. Be sure to cover for thefts away from home. Take a photo of your bike and write a clear description of it for your own records.
If you would like to apply to take part in future bike marking surgeries, please contact your local police team on 0845 456 7000.

If you think you are being offered a stolen bike, either call the Police or ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They never ask your name and they never trace your call.