Protect your new bike from thieves
WITH a lot of people getting new bicycles for Christmas, West Lancashire Community Safety Partnership (WLCSP) is advising owners to take steps to keep them safe.
The partnership is calling on all cyclists, not just the owners of new bikes – to have them property-marked free of charge.
WLCSP has funded the purchase of hundreds of crime prevention Alpha Dot kits in partnership with the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Alpha Dots can be read by a special magnifying reader held by the police and can be traced through a database back to the registered keeper of the property they are attached to.
This evidence is used regularly in convictions.
These dots can be painted onto a bike with a small brush, and once applied they last a lifetime, and the kit includes high-visibility stickers which can act as a deterrent to potential thieves.
Police in West Lancashire have initially arranged the following dates and times when cyclists can come along and have these special security dots put onto their bikes:
Ormskirk Police Station – Friday, January 27, 5pm to 8pm.
Ormskirk Police Station – Saturday, January 28, 5pm to 8pm.
Ormskirk Police Station – Sunday, January 29, 3pm to 6pm.
More dates will be arranged for Skelmersdale Police Station.
See the Ormskirk and Burscough police and Skelmersdale police Facebook pages for updates on Alpha Dot sessions and any additional dates.
Dave Tilleray, WLCSP chairman, said: “I am delighted that WLCSP has been able to work with the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner to fund the distribution of some of these Alpha Dot kits.
“This type of partnership working between agencies provides really good value for money.
“I would urge cyclists to come to Ormskirk Police Station on the above dates and times and have the kits applied to their bikes.”
Cllr Kevin Wright, West Lancashire Borough Council portfolio holder for community safety, said: “I am sure there are many proud owners of new bicycles in West Lancashire after Christmas, but all cyclists are welcome to take advantage of this offer.”
For more information on the WLCSP, visit www.westlancs.gov.uk/wlcsp