Fenland: Stolen Bikes

Cambridgeshire Police are warning cyclists in Fenland to make sure their bikes are locked up securely after 15 were stolen recently.
The bikes have been taken from towns including Wisbech, March, Whittlesey and Chatteris since the 29th of August.
According to Police, many were left unsecured outside shops, in gardens and in sheds.
Over last weekend, two were stolen from outside Ingleberry caravan site in Osborne Road, Wisbech, two from the front garden of a home in Southwell Road, Wisbech, and another from a shed at a home in Dartford Road, March.
Crime reduction officer Julie Hanrahan said: "It only takes a few minutes for a bike to be ridden away by a thief so my message would be, If you value it, lock it, don't lose it.
More than half of all bicycle thefts take place at the owner's property.
Simple crime prevention methods can lessen the chance of having a bicycle stolen.
It may seem like there are lots of things to think about when locking a bike but once you get into the habit you will be able to lock your bike within seconds and it will be well worth the trouble."

Cambridgeshire Police advice on ensuring bikes are locked securely:
Secure removable parts.
Lock both wheels and the frame together.
Take smaller parts and accessories that can be removed with tools with you.
Make the lock (and chain, if used) and bike harder to manoeuvre when parked to stop thieves smashing the lock open.
Keep the lock (and/or chain) away from the ground.
Keep the gap between the bike and lock small.
Never leave the lock lying on the pavement - a lock can be sledge hammered easily when it is resting on the ground.
Locks can also be picked, so face the lock towards the ground (but not resting on it) so it can't easily be turned upwards for picking.
Register you cycle for free at www.immobilise.com
Keep a detailed description of the cycle, make, model, frame number, colour and any distinctive markings.
Mark the bike using a clearly visible and secure marking in two separate places.
Anyone with information about bike theft is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

(Reproduced from heart.co.uk 19th Sept)

Gardien Comment: Also look at the article on Bike Security at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/bike-security-print.htm