Newbury Velo Cycling club issues advice amid bike theft crimewave

A cycling club has warned Newbury cyclists to protect their bikes from thieves following a recent spate of thefts in the area.

Newbury Velo Cycling and Triathlon Club wants to raise awareness about the thefts and has urged cyclists to take proactive security measures.

The club has also released a map showing all the recent bike thefts in the Newbury area.

Newbury Velo chairman Simon Bowden said: “We support cyclists of all types, from racers to social riders.

“These thefts are very concerning and are affecting adults and children alike, and we want to help our community protect their valuable cycling equipment.

“We’ve heard recently of a bike literally picked up from a bike rack outside a coffee shop.

“What is also important to remember is that some bikes are stolen from garages and sheds overnight, which the police will record as a burglary, not a bike theft.

“This can mask the true level of bike theft.”

Newbury Velo has issued several theft prevention recommendations for cyclists to stop criminals from stealing their beloved bicycles.

The club has recommended bike users purchase high-quality locks to secure their bikes, and to even use several locks at once if possible.

It also advised people to store their bikes in well-lit, busy areas with CCTV visibility and to remove any valuable accessories (such as bike lights or computers) when parking, as well as changing up parking locations and always securing their bike, even when at home.

Mr Bowden was keen to advise cyclists to register their bike on BikeRegister, a free national database that the police can use to trace the owner of a stolen bike if it is located.

He also wanted cyclists to get their bikes security marked.

Mr Bowden added: “Many bikes are stolen to sell on, or to break up for parts.

“If you are offered a used bike, or find one that you are interested in on any of the many online marketplaces, take a moment to check BikeRegister to see if the frame number is listed as a stolen bike.

“Buying a stolen bike leads to more bike thefts. If it’s too cheap, it might well be nicked.

“If every bike in West Berkshire is locked properly, security marked, and recorded on BikeRegister, local bikes will be too hot to handle.”

In a bid to encourage cyclists to get their bikes marked and registered Newbury Velo Cycling Club is offering its members a 25 percent discount on bike marking kits from BikeRegister.

This offer will also apply to new members joining between now and the end of February.

Those interested in joining Newbury Velo should visit the club’s website.