Dear ACS member
 
In a 12-month period, Elmbridge has seen an increase of over 60% in reported bicycle theft, rising from 279 incidents to 455.
To help combat the rise in bicycle theft, there are a number of steps that you can take. Property marking your bicycle with your house number and postcode can deter the burglar, and help to identify the bicycle should the police recover it. Keeping a record of the bicycle’s serial number at home also provides extra assurances. Always fit a good quality lock when leaving your bicycle in a public place, garage or shed.
Remember to register your cycle onto the National property data base called IMMOBILISE. It is free and you would stand a better chance of getting your property back if its lost or stolen. www.immobilise.com
These figures show a huge increase in bicycle thefts and do not include any thefts which may have taken place at our railway stations as these crimes are held by British Transport Police. We do know that a number of sheds and garages across the Borough are targeted, with very few of the bicycles being recovered. We need to find out who is stealing the bicycles, and where they are being sold on. Anyone with information can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
People with information about criminal activity who do not want to go to the police can call Crimestoppers twenty four hours a day, seven days a week to pass on what they know anonymously on 0800 555 111.
In support of reducing future cycle crime a 'Cycle Secure’ event is being held at the Heart Shopping Centre in Walton on Saturday 13 February, between 9am to 1pm. Please bring your bike and reduce crime.
Surrey Police are running the event, with funding from the Community Safety Partnership and sponsorship from East St Cycles in Walton, who are offering 25% off any SOLD SECURE GOLD certified bike lock. Police officers will be offering free property marking and providing advice about securing bicycles, as well as shed and garage security.
Bicycles are easy to steal if they are not properly secured with a good bike lock, or property marked with your house number and postcode. Please do not give burglars an easy ride.
 
Thank you
Mark Howells PC 4198,
Crime Reduction /Crime Prevention Design Advisor
North Surrey Police Division
Elmbridge/Spelthorne/Runnymede
0845 125 2222
07967 988005
howells4198@surrey.pnn.police.uk
I generally work Monday to Friday 7am - 3pm when you can contact me on the above points of contact
For non-urgent notification of a minor crime you can also use the online crime reporting facility available at www.surrey.police.uk
Surrey Police – With You, Making Surrey Safer.