Police are urging cyclists to upgrade their bike locks, following an increase in pedal cycle thefts in Chester.
PC Vicki Hazlewood, of Chester Inner Neighbourhood Policing Unit (NPU), is warning members of the public about how easy it is for bike thieves to commit thefts by using bolt croppers to cut through low-quality bike locks.
She advises people who have received a bike this Christmas to photograph it, record its serial number, buy a good quality lock and call into Chester Town Hall Police Station to have it security marked.
“It is so upsetting to meet victims of bike thefts who have secured their valued possessions, sometimes up to a thousand pounds worth, and to learn they have secured it with an inadequate bike lock,” PC Hazelwood added.
The appeal follows the sentencing of Andrew Smart, who received four months in prison on December 11 for four counts of theft.
The 39-year-old from Richmond Court stole two mountain bikes with a combined value of about £1,000, as well as items from supermarkets in the area and pleaded guilty on his first appearance at Chester Magistrates Court.
Sgt Andy Smith, also of Chester Inner NPU, said: “This was an excellent result for our officers, whose hard work meant that Smart felt the need to plead guilty at his first court appearance.
“It will be better for the residents of Chester without this man out and about causing problems.”
Police officers are working with partner agencies to tackle these offences and are appealing for anyone with information regarding who may be handling stolen bikes to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
