CommunitySafe.gov.uk

Dear Members, This email is to raise awareness in regards to thefts of pedal cycles which have been occurring in the Raynes Park Ward. There have been 4 incidents in the past 2 weeks, where high valued pedal cycles have been removed from secure locations. In each case, the cycles have been stolen either overnight, or whilst residents have been on holiday. Thefts have been from locked sheds in rear gardens; side gates have been similarly locked. Owners have left their cycles in a secure location and padlocks on shed doors have been tampered with i.e. picked or removed and the suspects have then continued to lift the cycles and frames over fences and locked gates as high as 6 foot, which indicates to us that two or more suspects are working together, possibly having noticed owners cycling their expensive bikes in the area. The offences have occurred in Melbury Gardens, Cambridge Road and Spencer Road - Roads which are close in proximity of each other. At these locations high valued and specialised cycles have been taken, accumulating to a value of £17,600 The following bullet points are tips on how to secure your pedal cycles as best you can: • If owners keep their cycles in a garden shed overnight (which one of the above victims has done) we cannot stress the importance surrounding security enough. Owners should securely padlock cycles and if the bikes are left in sheds overnight - not only fit the cycles with a cycle lock but also use an appropriate padlock or door lock on the shed. Invest in quality locks and use them. Look for the 'secured by design' quality mark. As a general guide look to spend about a tenth of the value of your cycle on locks to secure it. (ie: secure a £1000 cycle with £100 worth of locks). • Owners can fit an opaque glass pane in shed windows to reduce visibility into the sheds, so that suspects cannot identify high value cycles or property kept in the shed. • Secure your cycle to an immovable object. Consider installing a floor or wall mounted anchor lock for extra security at home. Remember that thieves can remove drainpipes and lift cycles off signposts. • Immobilise - Immobilise.com allows you to create a free private and secure portfolio of all your personal property. If it is then lost or stolen you can use Immobilise.com to tell law enforcement agencies, your insurer, and the second-hand trade to assist in recovering your property and catch criminals. Record and register your bike: - register your bicycle model, make and frame number free on the immobilise.com property register - take a clear colour photograph of your cycle and make a written record of its description, including any unique features Contact your local Safer Neighbourhoods Team to get your bikes security marked for free. • Secure removable parts. Lock both wheels and the frame together. Take smaller parts and accessories with you, for example, lights, pumps and quick-release saddles. • Prevent intruders getting into the back and sides of your home by installing strong fencing or gates. Check for weak spots where a thief could get into your garden, eg a low or sagging fence, or a back gate with a weak or no lock. Consider fixing trellis to the fence to make entry and exit points much more difficult for thieves. If your cycle is not of high value do not think that your bike is not at risk. The team are often out letting home owners know that their cycles are left unsecured in plain sight of prying eyes. Please secure all your cycles and do not hesitate to contact the team to get your cycle security marked for free. The team is also available on appointment to come down to carry out a security assessment on your current storage location of your cycles and if needs be advise you further. Thank you for reading Sergeant Dan Wheatley Ps 77VW Raynes Park Safer Neighbourhoods Team 0208 721 2459 RaynesPark.snt@met.police.uk