More than 100 bikes have been given security markings since Richmond Council and the borough’s Police launched the joint Lock it or Lose it campaign in October.
A series of roadshows in Richmond, Twickenham and Hampton have been held, focusing on areas of the borough which have high numbers of cyclists and cycle thefts.
The campaign will continue through the borough from next year with another six events planned. In total the Council and police want to security mark at least 250 bikes while also raising awareness about proper bike locking at home and when out and about.
The campaign is a joint venture between the police and Richmond Council, under Operation Lockout. Since Lockout began in July 2006, 9,087 cycles have been security marked.
To security mark a bike, a small personal identity number is etched into the frame and this is registered to a database. The owner is given a log book with a copy of the number on the frame and their own unique access number. If the bike is stolen, the access number is needed by police to prove ownership of the cycle, should it be recovered.
Cllr Pamela Fleming, Richmond Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “Having your bike security marked is free and if the worst does happen and it’s stolen, there is much more chance you will get it back quickly. Having it marked is important, but people must keep their log book with the access number safe so the police can return their bike if it’s found.”
The unique number also allows people to access the database in order to update address details if they move house, so they can be traced.
For a list of future events where you can get your bike marked, visit: http://www.richmond.gov.uk/operation_lockout
