Tuesday 10 April 2007

Surge of bike thefts in Rushmoor

Police in Rushmoor are urging residents to be vigilant following a spate of bicycle thefts in the borough. Between March 12 and March 26 a total of 12 bicycles were stolen from addresses and public places throughout Rushmoor.

Three examples of these thefts are:
1. At around 11.45am on Monday, March 19, a bike was stolen from outside the BP petrol station on Prospect Road, Farnborough.
2. At around 3.45pm on Sunday, March 18, a bike was taken from a grassy area next to a playground in Totland Park, Totland Road, Farnborough.
3. Just after 5pm on Saturday, March 17, a bike was taken from the back garden of an address on Guildford Road West, Farnborough.

Crime Prevention Officer for Rushmoor, Graeme Barbour, said: “Several of the 12 bikes which were stolen were left unsecured outside shops, near playgrounds and on private property. Others were secured but were stolen nevertheless. There are simple precautions you can follow to protect your property and reduce the chance of you becoming a victim of this sort of crime. Don’t make your property an easy target for thieves.”

To avoid becoming a victim of this sort of crime, officers are offering the following advice:
1. Always lock you bicycle, even if you are only leaving it for a few minutes.
2. Lock you bike to an object which cannot be moved, such as a bike rack.
3. Invest in a good quality lock. Hardened steel D-shaped locks are recommended as the minimum standard.
4. When you lock your bike, make it difficult for the thief to remove it. To help stop thieves from breaking the lock, keep the lock away from the ground and keep a small gap between the lock and bike.
5. Avoid leaving it in isolated places, leave your bike where a potential thief can easily be seen.
6. Security mark your frame and record you bike model, make and frame number. Take a clear photograph of your bike and make a written record of its description.
7. When you are at home, keep your bike and a secure garage or shed and keep the door locked. Keep your bike out of sight.

If anyone has any information about the theft of these bikes or would like more information on how to protect their property please call the nearest police station on 0845 045 45 45.

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