Exeter police take innovative measures to tackle bike thefts

Following a disproportionate increase in the theft of bicycles in Exeter, local police are urging bike owners to ensure that their bike security meets the standard.

Over 120 bikes have been stolen in the last 3-months, with an approximate market value of £60,000. Reports suggest that most stolen bikes are either sold on, or exchanged for drugs.

“Thieves targeting the city centre are presented with a higher concentration of parked bikes, possibly due to people commuting to work and shops” said PCSO Martin Pascoe. “We urge cyclists around the city to ensure their bikes are adequately secured when left unattended”.

As part of the awareness campaign, a large gift-wrapped box is left in bike racks, with a clear message ‘if you don’t use a solid secure D lock, you may as well leave your bike gift wrapped’.

It aims to illustrate how cyclists can inadvertently leave their bike as a gift to any potential thief. By using an inadequate lock or even a good lock that is not attached properly, a thief can easily take the cycle with minimal effort.

“It is surprising how many cycles we see that have a reasonable lock but are locked in a way where a wheel can be taken, and sometimes the frame as well," added PCSO Pascoe.

The police team are urging cyclists to use quality ‘Sold Secure’ tested locks.

Considerations when thinking about bike security are cycle value; quality of lock; the way the bike is locked and what it is locked to.