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Cyclists call for get-tough policy after
spate of thefts
‘If you’re riding to work… use a cheap bike’, says top cop
CYCLISTS have called for tougher action from police after new figures revealed a massive increase in bike thefts.
Since April 180 bikes have been stolen from Soho, Covent Garden and Mayfair, 75 per cent more than expected.
These figures come as London mayor Boris Johnson is launching his Cycle Friday campaign, a drive to encourage Londoners to cycle to work.
Cyclists say that thieves are patrolling quiet West End streets with industrial bolt cutters and hydraulic jacks, particularly in the vicinity of Cavendish and Soho squares.
But detectives have urged cyclists to lock their bikes up properly and leave expensive models at home.
Charlie Lloyd, cycling development officer at the London Cycling Campaign, said: “I would say every person who has ridden in to the West End for the past four or five years will have had a bike stolen. It is a huge problem. There are thieves who understand how to break even the most expensive locks. I have heard of thieves walking around with 3ft bolt cutters hidden down their trousers.
“We think the police should be doing more to stamp out this kind of theft and also to stop stolen bikes being sold on the internet or in street markets.”
He added: “Thieves often take parts, which is a concern because it can lead to accidents on the road. There are safety issues. We do not want people to be discouraged from riding bikes. But it is naturally discouraging if you ride to work and then find your bike stolen on the way home.”
Met police said thieves were smashing locks after filling them with “pipe freeze” that enables them to be shattered easily.
Detective Superintendent Matthew Foley secures his bike with three locks. He said: “Our Safer Neighbourhoods teams are watching out especially for these bike thefts. I do think the figures are starting to fall. There are a lot of thefts in the West End because so many people ride to work here. There is an organised element to the thefts but they are largely a preventable crime, especially when it comes to the more valuable bikes.”
He added: “What I would say is that cyclists should not ride really expensive bikes to work and leave them locked up in the street. If you’re riding in to work do it on a cheap bike.” |
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