Bicycle surgery at Newbury train station

Simple security measures could help cut the rate of bicycle crime at the railway station, say transport police

SECURITY marking and safety advice will be available at a bicycle surgery in Newbury on Thursday (Oct 6) to try to halt the increasing number of bike thefts.

British Transport Police (BTP) officers will be at Newbury railway station offering advice to members of the public on how simple measures can tackle an increase in bicycle crime at the railway station.

Sgt Chris Maddox of BTP said officers will be handing out free security marking devices and also offering passengers advice on how to keep their bikes safe.

“We will also be checking bike racks and leaving crime prevention advice for those owners who fail to adequately lock and secure their pedal cycles,” he said, adding: “We've recently seen an increase in the level of cycle crime, and believe this may be because bike owners are not following simple measures to ensure they don't fall victim to thieves.”

Security of bicycles, he added, was a particular problem for the transport police when they were left at railway stations for very long periods of time, with some even owning two bikes and leaving them locked up at stations overnight.

His top tips for bicycle security included registering bicycles at www.immobilise.com, taking a photograph of your bicycle in case it is stolen, and using two solid locks to secure both the frame and the wheels to the stand.

The surgery will be held between 3.30pm and 7pm.