WITH so many cases reported to the police each year of cyclists having their bike stolen, take advantage of some extra security by getting your bicycle registered for free in Ryde today (Saturday).

Ryde Town Council, in partnership with the Isle of Wight Police, is running a free bike registering opportunity at Appley Day.

Cyclists often make it easy for a thief to steal their bike by locking them inadequately, or leaving them insecure.

Just head down to Appley, near the main car park, between 11am and 3pm, to get your bike logged with BikeRegister — the national cycle database, loved by cyclists and preferred by the police.

It is a database used by every police force in the UK, which helps reunite hundreds of owners with their stolen bikes every year.

BikeRegister-marked bikes are believed to be 83 per cent less likely to be stolen, than unmarked bikes.

The event is being funded by Ryde Town Council. Please note you will need to bring your bike with you.

Remember ....... bicycle theft is preventable and there are steps you can take to stop it happening to you. 

  • Don’t let thieves take your bike for a ride, follow these basic security tips:
  • Don’t leave your bike in isolated places.
  • Always lock your bike when leaving it, even if it's only for a few minutes.
  • Use a good quality lock - we would recommend a solid D-shaped shackle lock, which you can buy at any bike shop. You can find information on 'sold secure' standard locks at www.soldsecure.com. 
  • Secure your bike to proper stands or robust street furniture.
  • Lock your bike through the frame, not the wheels.
  • Secure or consider removing the wheels.
  • Remove smaller parts and accessories that can't be secured, especially lights, pumps and quick-release saddles.
  • If you have quick release wheels, take off the front wheel and lock it to the frame and back wheel.
  • Consider getting your bike security marked so that police can check who it belongs to and return it, if it’s been stolen.
  • Take a photograph and keep a note of the make, model and serial number.

Also, bike theft often occurs in people’s homes or in garages and sheds, so keep your bike locked up at all times, the police warn.

If you see anything suspicious or have any information about who might be stealing or handling stolen bikes, then please contact police on 101 or, if you would prefer to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Suspicious behaviour could be:

  • A neighbour who has a large number of bikes in his possession
  • A van on the street containing a number of bikes or having bikes put into it
  • A person hovering and watching over the racks, or attempting to break or cut a lock
  • Someone carrying a bike with only one wheel
  • Someone selling large numbers of bikes, offering them very cheaply or with no reason why they are offloading them