Pedal Cycle Thefts

Please be aware that there has been a number of Pedal Cycle Thefts, particularly in the Nantwich area over the last period.

Crewe & Nantwich as an area is a large cycling community. Due to the flat geography of the region and local industries many people have a bike for leisure or to get to work. A large number of young people also have bikes in the towns as a means of transport to get to school, visit friends etc. As such the area can become a target for cycle theft. Bicycles are expensive items to buy, especially if you are buying several for a family, yet unfortunately sometimes people don't consider their bike's security to the extent that they might for other common items such as their purses, wallets, handbags, mobile phones etc.

Many people are surprised to learn that around half of bikes are actually stolen from people's back gardens and this has been the case in recent thefts from the area. Understandably, many of us wheel our bikes into our gardens and because they are in a private, secure area we presume they will be safe. However, it is worth taking the time to further secure your bike when it is at your property.

If you have a shed / garage or other outbuilding take the time to lock your bike away. This adds an extra layer of security as any would be offenders will have to risk breaking into this outbuilding to access the bike and this increases their chances of getting caught. If your bike is very valuable consider chaining it within the outbuilding - to a sturdy wall or floor anchor point or fix a metal cage and lock any valuables into the cage whilst in the shed.

If you do not have a suitable outbuilding, make sure that you lock your bicycle to a fixed point in your garden for extra security. Use a good quality lock and secure it to a point where the bike and lock can't be lifted over the top of the item it is locked to.

With Christmas approaching, many people may be purchasing bicycles for presents. Please ensure that you take the time to record any security marks such as frame number upon purchase and record the value of the bike for insurance purposes - many people forget to do this in the excitement of Christmas. If the item is expensive, check whether you have adequate house insurance for the item as bicycles are not included as standard in many home insurance policies.

Whilst out and about, always secure your bike, even if you are only leaving it unattended for a moment. It only takes a couple of seconds for someone to mount your bike and ride it away.