LANCASTER police will be launching a new bicycle crime prevention initiative in the New Year.

Bike Security Month will run throughout January 2014 around Lancaster and Morecambe.

It has the aim of promoting bicycle security measures following a rise in bicycle thefts.

Neighbourhood Policing Teams will be offering free bicycle-marking to members of the public.

Bike marking kits have been purchased in partnership with Lancashire County Council’s Sustainable Travel Department, and will allow the public to have their bikes marked with a permanent, unique reference number, which can then be registered with Bike Register www.BikeRegister.com

This is a scheme used by all UK police forces that allows them to search for outstanding stolen bicycles by their serial number nationwide.

Members of the public who have their bikes marked utilising this scheme will receive an email from BikeRegister letting them know they are ‘live’ on the system and can then log in, print off a log book and record relevant information on the system.

To launch Bike Security Month, the police will be holding a promotional event at Lancaster’s St. Nicholas’ Arcade on Saturday December 28 between 12pm–4pm.

Members of the public wishing to request bike marking can also email the Police directly at bikeregisterscheme@lancashire.pnn.police.uk

Sgt James Neale of Lancaster Police said: “By registering bikes, it is hoped that this will deter thieves and, in the event of bikes being stolen, we will have more chance of reuniting bikes with their owners.

“We will be offering a free bicycle-marking service at both Lancaster and Morecambe Police Stations every Sunday throughout Bike Security Month, as well as approaching local schools, workplaces and residential areas to offer this service too, and I strongly encourage all bike owners to take up this opportunity to improve the security of their bikes. We want to keep people cycling!”

Residents are being urged to; 

 • Ensure front and back doors of your property are locked and windows closed when leaving the house

• Keep side gates locked

• Use a strong lock on sheds, garages and other outbuildings

• Consider fitting outdoor security lighting

• Keep an eye on neighbouring properties and if you see anything suspicious, contact police.

Anyone with information about bicycle thefts can contact police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.