Bike theft on the up in Worcester

Bike theft is soaring in Worcester with many offenders continuing to escape without punishment.

More than 800 bicycles have been stolen in the town over the past three years.

Of these cases, only 19 culprits were successfully convicted.

Janet Heritage, West Mercia Police’s inspector for Worcester City, said;The best thing people can do to protect themselves from bike theft is to use a high quality bike lock and use security marking to ensure their bike is identifiable – SmartWater is an excellent way to mark a bike.

"Leaving it in the most secure area possible when out and about such as a well lit, busy area with CCTV will also help to deter an opportunist thief."Between January and July 2009, there were 157 cycle thefts in Worcester city alone.

When a lock is not enough – get your bicycle insured

A determined cycle thief can break even the most robust lock on the market and with an estimated 500,000 bicycles stolen each year in Britain it is vital to have good insurance cover.

Cycle insurance provider ilovemybike.co.uk covers includes new-for-old replacement, third-party liability, personal accident and even a breakdown recovery service for rider and bike.