Officers from British Transport Police (BTP) will be holding a cycle surgery at Newcastle railway station on Thursday, 27 September at 07.00 – 10.00, where they will be offering a free cycle tagging service and providing crime reduction advice to cyclists.
PC Andy Cook, of BTP, said: “This is a chance for cyclists to make sure they are given the best security advice to help protect their bikes and have their bikes tagged.
“Officers will be in the main concourse area at the station, handing out free security marking devices and offering passengers advice on how to keep their bike safe as possible.
“Please note that to qualify for this offer, cyclists must attend the event with their bicycles – we won’t be able to hand out the devices to people who do not have cycles with them unfortunately.”
Officers will also be checking bike racks and leaving crime prevention advice for those owners who fail to adequately lock and secure their pedal cycles.
Unfortunately the theft of cycles is an ongoing problem on the railway network which is being compounded due to many bike owners not following simple measures to ensure they don't fall victim to thieves.
PC Andy Cook added: "A difficulty we face is that many people who ride bikes leave them at railway stations for very long periods of time, with some even owning two bikes and leaving them locked up at stations overnight.
"Because of this, it's more important than ever to ensure cycle owners are educated and informed about how best to protect themselves from thieves.
“We are advising cyclists to follow a number of simple measures to help ensure that their bike is safely locked and does not encourage the attention of thieves.
“Lock your bike whenever you leave it, preferably with a D Lock, which is a heavy steel lock in a D or U shape. When you lock your cycle, try to fit the bike stand, the rim of one of the wheels and the cycle frame into the D, this will make it harder for thieves to take and there’ll also be less space in the D which will prevent thieves from inserting bars or jacks to lever the lock.
“Wherever possible leave your bike in a busy, well-lit area which is covered by CCTV and please also ensure that your cycle has been property marked and fitted with an electronic tracing system or tag to help locate it in the event of a theft.
“Make sure your cycle is insured, keep a photograph of it and note the frame number and any markings which will help police to identify any stolen bikes that are recovered.”