18 September 2007:  BIKE crime dropped in the Harrogate district during a very successful campaign organised by the Harrogate District Safer Communities Partnership during 2006.  Despite the reduction, crime mapping still shows that cycles stored or left on driveways and in gardens, along with those locked around the town centre, are at risk from theft.  This new campaign emphasises the need for high quality locks and where possible for cycles to be secured within buildings.

 

To combat this cycle crime and to continue their campaign to Stop them Taking your Bike for a Ride, the Partnership is to host a special event -Keeping Your Bike Yours - on Saturday, 29 September between 10.00am and 3.00pm at Prospect Crescent, Harrogate (near to the war memorial). 

 

Cyclists will be able to get their bikes post-coded free of charge making it easier for them to be traced in the unfortunate event that their bike is stolen.  Event sponsor, Boneshakers the bicycle shop on Albert Street, Harrogate, will offer a free basic bicycle service and cycling experts will be on hand to answer questions.  A discount of 15 per cent is being offered for bike locks purchased on the day.  You can also purchase bike alarms and shed alarms, which the Partnership is selling at a non profit.

 

Councillor Les Ellington, Chair of the Partnership, said:  "This campaign has been very successful but it is obvious that we need to keep up the profile.  By working together and with owners being careful to care for their property we can keep these thieves at bay." 

 

Community Safety Officers will be working with the Police on the day to offer advice on crime prevention and information will be available at the North Yorkshire Mobile Police Unit.  ENDS