Bike theft warning issued in Cambridge

Cyclists in Cambridge are being encouraged to step up their security measures due to soaring bike thefts.

Police in the region are responding to the growing problem by urging people on two-wheels to mark their bike.

It is suspected that the rise is down to thieves targeting the thousands of new students who arrive in the city around this time and choose to cycle.

Lewis Herbert, Cambridge city councillor, is now calling for more secure bike parking bays to be installed in the area.

He said: "I am worried and very concerned at the risk of a major outbreak of thefts in the autumn and the high theft figures through 2009."

In addition to marking two-wheels, cyclists may want to consider taking out bike insurance to give themselves extra protection should they fall victim of bike theft.

According to statistics, Cambridge saw a 15 per cent rise in the number of bike thefts in October alone.

Protecting yourself against bike theft

Having a bicycle marked can help the police reunite you with your bike should it be stolen and recovered, but it is unlikley to deter thieves. Bicycles are easy to steal and easy for thieves to sell on – it’s the reason that an estimated 500,000 bikes are stolen each year in Britain.

It is generally accepted that cyclists should aim to spend 10 per cent of a bike’s value on a stout lock , but there is no substitute for insurance.

The most comprehensive cycle insurance policies include new-for-old replacement, third party insurance, personal accident cover and if you breakdown, they will even come out and recover you and your bike.

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