Velocity Bikes is now an Accredited Cycle Security Marking Centre

Bike Marking Tackles Crime

Police in Portsmouth are working with cycle shops across the city to launch a major new initiative to tackle cycle crime.

We have signed up to become an accredited cycle marking centres, allowing us to security mark bikes and register them on a national database.

Anyone wanting to mark and register their property with the Retainamark database would normally pay £11.50, but with Vélocity Bikes on this scheme you can get your bike marked for just £2.99.

1500 bikes are stolen every year

Around 1500 bikes are stolen in Portsmouth every year, but only a small fraction are security coded. As well as making it easier for police to return recovered bikes, the scheme should also allow second hand dealers to easily see if someone is trying to sell them something that’s stolen. Through this and other schemes police are hoping to reduce cycle crime in the city by 15 per cent over the next year.

Bicycles are vulnerable to theft. They are very mobile, high enough in value to be worth stealing, yet often too low in value to be worth equipping with expensive security devices. They can also be hard to identify and easy to disguise. There are many schemes across the country that aim to improve cycle security and reduce the fear of theft, but there is great potential for further action. Projects often need local authority involvement, but they also rely on the actions of others, such as individual cyclists, cycling groups, developers and employers.

Basic Security Rules for Cycle Users

• Do not leave cycles in isolated places.
• Park cycles safely and considerately where they will not cause a danger or obstruction to others - particularly to older people, young children, or people with disabilities.
• Always lock a cycle when leaving it, even if it’s only for a few minutes.
• Secure bikes to proper cycle stands or robust street furniture (but do observe any requests not to use certain items of street furniture and be sure not to cause any damage).
• Lock cycles through the frame.
• Secure or remove wheels.
• Remove smaller parts and accessories that can’t be secured, especially lights, pumps and quick release saddles.
• If buying a second hand cycle, make sure the seller really owns it.

Cycle Insurance

You should make sure that your bicycle is insured. Cycles may be covered under your house contents insurance policy. If your bicycle is of a particularly high value, you may need to insure it separately and the insurer may require you to use certain levels of security.

Some insurers will offer a discount for using an approved security marking and registration scheme. Some cycling organisations, such as the CTC, offer insurance with membership.

Cycle Insurance - Clicking the image above or the link in the text will take you to e&l Insurance where you can insure your bike. The website will open in a new window.