Nottinghamshire Police will be at Rushcliffe Arena this Saturday, January 25 at 10am offering free bike marking and registration.
However, with rising bike theft in West Bridgford, one resident is calling for more than just bike marking but action to be done to get back his stolen bike worth around £1,000.
David Todd, 46, of Gamston in West Bridgford, came home one day to find his new bike missing and replaced with an “old antique bike”.
It wasn’t until he looked on his Google camera that he was able to see the suspect and the police were able to catch him but his bike was never recovered.
David spoke about the new scheme questioning whether it would be an effective deterrent for criminals. He said: “I don’t know much about the new scheme and I don’t know if it would deter criminals if I’m totally honest.”
Bike marking involves permanently marking the bike with a unique code and registering it on the national data base to deter thieves and reunite owners with stolen bikes.
On the day, you will also be able to get free bike maintenance.
He said: “I’d be more interested in seeing the police force quizzing the guys who do this and returning property.
“That would be my main message to the police force. I don’t think enough is done.”
The West Bridgford resident spoke about how he felt the theft was handled and said: “When it first happened I was absolutely gutted.
“At the time I just couldn’t afford to replace it and I still haven’t replaced it if I’m honest with you.
“My main problem was that I just wanted my bike back.
“I was astounded that the police didn’t even ask him what he did with it (the bike).”
The service this Saturday will be in collaboration with Dr Bike and Bike Register to have your bike securely labelled to deter thieves.
Cyclists who attend the event will also get an opportunity to get minor repairs fixed on their bike from a qualified mechanic.
