POLICE ENCOURAGE CYCLE OWNERS TO TAKE CYCLE SECURITY SERIOUSLY

The use of cycles in Gosport is quite common, in fact statiscally the boroughs cycle usage is higher than most towns in the UK;  '10.66% of the boroughs population in the age bracket 16 - 74 use a cycle to travel to work, compared with the national avaerage of 2.83% and the South East average of 3.07%'.

With such a high number of cycle users in the borough, some would argue that our cycle theft levels are acceptable and running at an comparable average. We disagree. With Gosport having a large number of cyclists, this increases the opportunity for the cycle theif and should promotes greater responsibilty for the cycle owner.

More commonly the Police become involved with cycles, once theft has occured, but we are always working on projects to prevent cycle theft and return recovered cycles to the rightfull owners.

In partnership with Gopsort Borough Council's Community Safety Team, we have purchased a limited number of high security, quality closed shackle locks. It's our objective to provide these locks to cycle users in the borough at an incredible price of just £5 and help them improve their cycle security.

In addition to providing these locks, we are encouraging cycle owners to code their cycles, in order that if it was stolen and recovered we are able to identify the rightful owner and return it to them.

So if you are serious about your cycle security use the following tips, buy a quality lock and get your cycle coded. locks are available from the Police Station, but please note that there are only a limited number available, so please do not be dissapointed if we have run out! Cycle coding is also available through the police so contact the police station or your local beat officer for assistance.

> always lock your cycle up to a fixed point, whenever you leave it, even if it is for only a short time.

> ensure that any quick release features of the cycle are secured.

> try and use cycle racks and locking bars in public places.

> always lock the cycle up when you store it in your garden, shed or garage.