Cycle thieves targeted

Police in Dover, Deal and Sandwich are stopping cyclists in the towns as part of a campaign to reduce cycle theft.

The operation will also disrupt criminals who are using bikes as transport to commit crime or selling the bikes for their scrap metal value.

More than eighty bikes were stolen between April and December last year in the Dover district, a similar number to the previous year.

Officers will be taking details of bikes from those cyclists stopped and checking them against a database of those reported stolen.

When bikes are being ridden legitimately, owners will be given advice about crime prevention and ensuring cycles are security marked. If a bike is thought to be stolen, it will be seized by officers.

Patrolling officers will also be locating owners of bikes found unlocked, lying in front gardens or leaning against walls and they will be warned about the risk of leaving them insecure.

Sergeant Sam Parker, who is leading the operation, said: "Too many bikes are being stolen and we know that criminals, such as those supplying drugs, are using them to get round an area.

"Others are being taken to be sold for their scrap metal value and part of our work will be visiting scrap metal merchants to ensure that records are kept of who a bike is purchased from.

"As well as disrupting what these offenders are up to, we are also using the campaign to get the message across to cyclists that they must do as much as possible to keep their bike secure.

"Our message is simple - don't keep the criminals in business by leaving your bike insecure."

If you have information about cycle theft in the Dover area, report it to Sgt Sam Parker on 01304 218141, or to Kent Police on 101 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Cyclists in the Dover area can take their cycles to the public enquiry office at Dover police station where staff will security mark it for free. Opening hours are 8am until 8pm from Monday to Saturday and 10am until 6pm on Sunday.

You can also check the Kent Police website at www.kent.police.uk for details of your local neighbourhood police surgery where officers will be able to security mark cycles.

A bike passport can also be downloaded from the website, and you are advised to write down all the details, such as make, model or serial number when you purchase a bike so you have them to hand if it is stolen.

Photo shows Dawn White (left), Public Enquiry Officer at Dover Police Station, and Sergeant Sam Parker.