Cambridge Police Slash Bicycle Theft Figures
January 17th, 2012
Police in Cambridge have slashed cycling related thefts by 25% following the introduction of several new tactics.
Police in Cambridge have slashed cycling related thefts by 25% following the introduction of several new tactics.
New initiatives were introduced after the city was named the UK capital of bike theft by Cambridgeshire County Council in 2010.
Police say that a new city-centre team and the targeting of criminals that sell on bikes has been a large factor in the crack-down.
‘Trap bikes’ fitted with GPS tracking systems have also been integral in the uncovering of criminals Police said.
In 2007 around 2200 bikes were stolen in Cambridge increasing stedily until 2010 where figures peaked at 2,870.
A spokesperson for the police said: “Cambridge has long been associated with a cycling culture which is traditionally focused on the central Market ward.
“Since my team was introduced we have identified offenders and detected an increasing number of thefts through concerted efforts and the use of a range of tactics, including ‘trap bikes’ and targeting those that sell on bikes for cash or exchange them for other goods.”