Safer Gloucester raised the alarm at their recent Christmas Crime Prevention event in King’s Walk Shopping Centre last week.
In order to combat the rise in bicycle thefts in the city, the Partnership sold alarmed “D” locks to protect residents’ bikes. Once locked, the “D” lock will activate upon vibration, while the ear piercing 130 decibel siren will sound for about 10 seconds every time it detects vibration of 2 seconds or more.
At only £10, the locks were selling like hot cakes but there are still some available to purchase at Bearlands police station, Longsmith Street, Gloucester and stocks will be replenished once sold out.
Gloucester Chief Inspector Richard Burge said: “These alarms are a simple and easy way to secure your bicycle at low cost. We have seen from recent CCTV footage in the city that a bike thief can cut through bike cable locks in 3 – 10 seconds. We have tested these “D” locks with bolt croppers but been unable to snap through them. We also recommend that all bike owners register their cycle frames with a website like http://www.BikeRegister.com , a national database which is checked by police if an abandoned bicycle is found.
“If anyone has any information about a bike theft I would urge them to report it to us on 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. If you see a theft taking place to phone 999.”
Cllr Jennie Dallimore, Gloucester City Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods said, “The bike locks are an excellent way that Safer Gloucester can assist residents to protect their belongings. It is important that we all take responsibility for securing our property. To have a bike stolen causes enormous inconvenience and often a large amount of expense. These “D” locks are a useful tool in the fight against crime!”
The “D” locks are on sale at £10 at Bearlands police station and include a free saddle cover. As well as the locks, residents can also purchase low cost personal and shed alarms, dusk to dawn light bulbs and timer switches.
For more information about crime prevention, take a look at http://www.safergloucester.co.uk/Advice_and_Information.aspx
http://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/Latest%20News/Press%20Releases/2012/November/item33528.html
