Cyclists urged to '˜lock it or lose it'

The total number of bikes stolen in East Lancashire during 2015 was 958 with 237 of those in Burnley, 182 in Pendle and 28 in the Ribble Valley.

Police have now launched a campaign which will see officers carrying out bike coding while handing out postcards with advice on how to prevent bicycles being stolen.

Sgt Dave Sherrington said: “In 2015, 3,852 bicycles were reported stolen across Lancashire with a value of £1,813,511. This is only the thefts which were reported to police – we actually believe there are more thefts which remain unreported.

“It appears that the recent rise in the purchase of expensive hi-tech bikes is fuelling the thefts – the most expensive bike stolen last year was worth over £10,000.

“We think that many of these thefts could have been prevented if owners had locked their bike up securely. Please prevent yourself from becoming a victim of bike theft by following some simple security measures. Don’t make it easy for thieves.”

Officers are advising cyclists to never leave their bike unlocked, lock it through the frame and the wheels, get the bike security marked and think about taking out insurance.

Bikes can be registered for free at www.bikeregister.com – the only police approved cycle database

If anybody sees anything suspicious or has information about who might be stealing or handling stolen bikes then contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

For more information about keeping bikes safe go to www.lancashire.police.uk/biketheft.