Police issue advice as bike thefts surge in Flintshire
Flintshire residents are being urged to take extra precautions after a rise in pedal cycle thefts across the area.
Police are encouraging locals to follow some simple safety measures to reduce the risk of theft, highlighting the importance of secure storage and registering bicycles on national databases.
PCSO James King of North Flintshire Police issued a statement saying, “Your safety and property security are our top priorities, and we encourage everyone to take precautionary measures to reduce the risk of theft.”
To assist residents, police have provided the following practical advice to protect bicycles:
- Use Two Locks: Doubling up on locks, including at least one high-quality D-lock, can make it more challenging for thieves.
- Secure the Entire Bike: Ensure the frame and both wheels are locked to an immovable object, minimising space for tampering.
- Choose Well-Lit Areas: Park in busy locations with CCTV coverage whenever possible.
- Remove or Secure Components: Easily removable parts like wheels, saddles, and lights should be taken with you or secured using locking skewers.
- Register Your Bike: Register your frame number on a national bike registration database to help recover your bike if stolen.
- Consider Insurance: Bike insurance can mitigate potential losses in the event of theft.
- Secure Bikes at Home: Lock bicycles securely even when stored at home, and avoid advertising ownership through apps like Strava.
For those who have experienced theft, PCSO King emphasised the importance of acting quickly.
“If your bike is stolen, contact us immediately with your frame number, database registration details, and a photo of the bike,” he said.
Victims are also encouraged to share descriptions and images on community forums such as Ride.cc Bike Forum, Bikeradar, and CycleChat.
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to North Wales Police by calling 101.
