Last updated at 13:05, Wednesday, 12 December 2012

Police in Barrow are cracking down on criminals stealing bikes after a spate of thefts.

Officers on patrol are stopping and checking cyclists on a regular basis, which has resulted in a number of arrests.

In recent weeks, six warrants have been executed, eight men have been arrested on suspicion of theft and six cycles recovered.

Cumbria police say many people will be buying bikes as gifts in the run up to Christmas, and want to remind cyclists that a couple of pounds spent on locks with a willingness to use them will deter all but the most determined of thieves.

Temporary Inspector Ian McClymont, of Barrow police, said: “Many of the cycles that are being stolen are of high value. People do leave them unlocked and sadly they are stolen very quickly. Simple crime prevention measures will reduce the opportunities for thieves to steal cycles. The fact that people are spending a lot of money on these bikes should encourage them to invest in a lock to make sure that it is secure and make difficult for thieves to steal it.

Barrow police will be promoting some cycles marking events after Christmas, and will be involved in a County wide initiative to encourage everyone to have their bike marked.

Ian McClymont added: “Our proactive work will continue, having your bike marked may not prevent it from being cycle being stolen, but it will assist in its identification and if stolen, its recovery and return to its rightful owner. There is clearly a market for cycles, and we intend to make it uncomfortable for thieves to operate. The arrests that we have made should reduce the number of cycles being stolen."

Anyone with any information on bike theft, or who knows who may have a cycle that is stolen, should contact Barrow police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

First published at 13:04, Wednesday, 12 December 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk