Local Crime Reduction Initiatives

Cycle Theft initiatives

A number of initiatives to reduce Cycle crime in York have been introduced over the last few years. Below is a snapshot of some of these


Review of design and location of cycle racks

One of the first actions undertaken by the Cycle Theft Task Group was to conduct this review. We keen to ensure that all racks should be located at sites with a minimum requirement of either good natural surveillance or CCTV coverage.

As a result of this review a number of racks are planned for removal/repositioning and CCTV coverage has been improved.

In addition we have been working with the Cycle City Programme to advise on location of new covered cycle racks planned for the city.

As a result of walkabouts to conduct the above review, it became clear that many cyclists were using poor quality locks, securing their bike inadequately (i.e. to itself, rather than to the rack) or in a good few cases, not locking their bike at all.

The Cycle Theft Task Group therefore decided that we needed to embark on a major campaign to educate cyclists to invest in better quality locks and how to use their cycle lock so the best effect.

The following initiatives were developed as a result.


5 a Day Campaign

During a peak period in 2006/7 5 bikes a day were being stolen in York.

This campaign was promoted on local buses, posters and by cycle retailers to draw the public's attention to the issue and to encourage them to think more carefully about cycle security.


Handlebar strips

Handlebar strips are paper strips designed to be used by North Yorkshire police Safer Neighbourhoods Teams at those bike racks which have been the target of cycle theft.

Strips are placed on every bike at the rack. The police officer enters a letter code onto the strip which refers one of the crime prevention messages listed below. Cycle Owners are then required to log on to the Safer York Partnership website to find out what the code refers to.

A - Bike Not Locked
B - Poor Quality Lock Used
C - Lock Not Used to Best Effect
D - Not Locked to Cycle Rack
E - Good Quality Lock Used
F - Good Use of Lock
G - All Accessories Removed
H - Secured to Permanent Fixture.

Cycle Strips are also used by Security Staff on campus at the University of York.


New signage

Signage has been erected at the ends of rows of Sheffield Stands. The signs include graphics demonstrating how most effectively to lock your bike to a Sheffield Stand.

The name of the bike rack is also included on the signage to improve the accuracy of crime reporting which should enable us to monitor more accurately levels of theft from individual racks.


Discounted locks

In an attempt to encourage members of the public to invest in better quality bike locks, the task group allocated funding towards subsidising the cost of quality bike locks for York residents. These are sold from the York Community Watch Office (co-located with Safer York Partnership) and from a City of York Council reception area.

There is a small range of locks available for purchase by York residents at a cost of £8-£12. These would usually RRP for £20-£25.

Locks are also sold on campus at the University of York and York College.


'How Safe is Your Bike?' leaflet

This leaflet was produced in partnership with Andy Shrimpton, owner of the Cycle Heaven shop in York.

The leaflet has a 'young', colourful and contemporary design, aimed to appeal to all age groups, particularly young people.

The leaflet contains 10 tips for securing your bike and useful graphics showing how best to lock your bike.

Supplies of the leaflets are provided free of charge to all cycle retailers in the city in order for them to give away with each new bike sold.

Supplies are also given to colleges and/or universities and are available in other public places.


Rat Trap

The Cycle Theft Task Group has been keen to invest in the latest 'tracker' technology to assist North Yorkshire Police in arresting those responsible for cycle theft in the city.

Tracker devices have led to a number of arrests in relation to cycle theft and also other types of crime such as vehicle crime and burglary, where the offender has used the tracker bike as their method of transport to commit other crime types.

The models of bike used with the tracker device are constantly changed to ensure that offenders are unable to identify the trap bike.


Cycle Tags

Safer York Partnership have invested a significant amount of funding to support bike tagging events across the city.

Immobitags are linked to the Immobilise website and we encourage members of the public to register other belongings alongside their tag.

Cycle tags are provided and fitted free of charge at events occurring in cycle hotspot areas and at regular city centre events.

Many cycle retailers also fit bike tags to all new bikes sold.

Tags are available for purchase from the York Community Watch Office for a £4 charge.