At the events, cycle owners will have their bike frame identified with a unique, permanent code, which warns would-be thieves that the bike is protected. Bikes marked with the identification code are more difficult to sell on, which helps to deter would-be thieves from stealing them.
Once the bike has been marked, the owner’s details are registered with Bike Register, the UK’s bike marking and registration scheme. Bike owners get a free lifetime membership through an online account, with the opportunity to upload images of their bike. They can also update their account if their bike is stolen.
The Bike Register database is used by every police force in the UK, allowing police forces across the country to identify stolen bikes and return them to their owners if recovered.
Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “Lots of people have told us that they struggle to get to these important events, so we’ve worked closely with the police to make it easier for people to come along, whether it’s during school holidays, after work or at the weekend.
“Having an even greater choice of times and locations will help people to keep cycling for safer, cleaner journeys in the city.”
Portsmouth Chief Inspector, Paul Markham, said: “We have been holding these events alongside Portsmouth City Council and the University of Portsmouth. We are doing this in line with pro-actively targeting those stealing bikes across the city.
“We have had feedback from residents that they would like to see more of these sessions at weekends and in the evenings, so are really pleased to be able to offer this at a range of events over the summer.
“We would love to see as many of you as possible at our sessions, where you can ask questions about what we are doing to tackle bicycle theft in Portsmouth.”
The next cycle security marking event takes place on Wednesday 21 June outside Pure Gym, Arundel Street from 5pm to 7pm. Further events take place at the following dates and times:
- Wed 21 June Arundel Street outside Pure Gym 5pm – 7pm
- Sat 1 July Gunwharf Quays, near Tesco 2pm – 4pm
- Thu 20 July Lakeside, next to street food stalls 12pm – 2pm
- Wed 2 Aug Get Active event at Paulsgrove Park 11am – 2pm
- Thu 3 Aug Get Active event at Alexandra Park 11am – 2pm
- Wed 9 Aug Get Active event at Canoe Lake 11am – 2pm
- Thu 10 Aug Get Active event at Baffins Park 11am – 2pm
- Thu 17 Aug The Hard between the train and bus interchange 2pm – 4pm
- Thu 14 Sept Cosham, outside Anytime Fitness 4pm – 6pm
People attending the events will also be able to purchase a free ‘Sold Secure‘ bike lock, normally worth £50, for the reduced price of just £10.
Top tips for good cycle security
- It’s always best to use two locks.
- Use different types of lock, for example, a strong D-lock and a sturdy chain lock. This means that a thief will need different tools to break each lock, making theft less likely.
- Lock both wheels and the frame to a bike stand or strong, immovable object.
- Lock ‘tight’ so your bike is hard to manoeuvre when parked.
- Secure your lock so it does not touch the ground.
For more information, including dates, times and locations, visit portsmouth.gov.uk/cyclesecurity