Keeping your bicycle safe

It could happen to you

North Shropshire has experienced 59 bicycle thefts in the last year. The vast majority of those thefts are of bicycles left by their owners in an unsecured location. Very few of these bicycles have been recovered. There are two reasons for this, very often the owners do not have a good idea of the description of their property and secondly have never marked them. When bicycles, or parts of bicycles are recovered, the Police always look for marks, tags or postcodes.

If a bicycle is not claimed or identified it may be returned to the finder, sold by auction or scrapped. if the Police cannot identify a bicycle, or part of a bicycle when taken from an offender, they have to give it back to the offender! Make sure your bicycle is always secure and well marked so it can be returned to you if found. let's stamp out bicycle theftsand catch offenders.

If your bicycle is stolen, could you describe it to a police officer? We find it amazing how much people tend to forget about their bicycles. Complete these details as best you can and keep this guide with your documents to use in the event of theft.

Before your Bicycle is stolen

• record the details of your bicycle. it will help you describe the bicycle to police officers and increase the chance of recovery
• have your bicycle marked with (a tag to do this is available from North Shropshire District Council

If your bicycle is stolen

• Please report it as soon as possible by calling West Mercia Police on 08457 444888
• Visit your local police station to see if it has been recovered
• If you find your bicycle, please let the police know so that the crime figures can be recorded correctly

Frame Number: Can you find it?

A Frame Number is a mix of about 5 to 10 digits and letters stamped somewhere on to the frame. the picture shows some areas that frame numbers can be located.

1. Under the bottom bracket
2. Behind the seat tube
3. On a rear axle plate
4. On one of the stays
5. Behind the front tube
6. Above crank, on nearside of seat tube or as alabel in the V formed with the down-tube
7. Base of the front tube

The Crime Reduction web site has information on steering clear of bike theft.

Local information on cycling is available at www.cyclenorthshropshire.co.uk and www.cycleshropshire.org.uk

North Shropshire Community Safety Partnership has a free pack including tips on things to record about your bike and a tag for marking your bike. This is available by calling North Shropshire District Council Customer Services 01939 232771 and reception@northshropshiredc.gov.uk