According to the British Crime Survey, 440,000 bikes are stolen every year. With an estimated three million adults cycling in the UK everyday day since the inception of the government's 'Cycle England' in 2005, this figure is hardly surprising.
David Cameron has, of course, been the latest highly publicised victim when he was out "buying salad" and on return found his chosen mode of transport was not there. The clear-up rate for catching bike thieves is about 5% according to the CTC, (National Cycling Association), and even Cameron knew not to pursue the peddle pushers who took off with his faithful steed. A spokesman for the Tory leader agreed that, "He knew it was only a petty crime," he said "Police in that area have more pressing things to do."
The few thieves that are caught face risible sentences as illustrated by the punishment received by Daniel Westrop, 28, who last year stole around 1347 bikes in six months and still was not put behind bars. The vast range of cycles he stole during the rampage, on which he often sold more than two bikes a day from various tube stations, was thought to be worth around 310,000. The criminal received 100 hours community service, an ASBO and 3000 damages to pay. A British Transport Police spokeswoman said after the case: "We are very disappointed with the sentence. We expected he would be jailed and feel the court decision has more to do with the national lack of prison places than the gravity of the offences."
One of the main components thought to be contributing to this ever increasing problem is the lack of bike stands around the areas most commonly used by bicyclists. Many thieves target parks, side streets, cycle paths and city centres where, until now, stands have not been designed to be placed.
New types of bike stands are being designed against crime specifically for areas such as these, which previous designs have not catered for. The government have injected a further 140 million into making the UK a cycle-friendly nation which will hopefully ensure that these new stands will provide a safe-place in more remote locations where theft is rife.
Janine Carhart, managing director at Barriersdirect.co.uk, an online provider of secure fixtures, explains: "Cycle stands are one of the top sellers of all our security equipment, wall mounted stands being the most popular type. The Sheffield cycle stand has also now been recommended by the Cycling Touring Club (the UK's national cyclists' organisation) too which is good news for cyclist."
According to Halifax Home Insurance a bike is stolen every 65 seconds; that is over 1329 bikes a day amounting to approximately 9304 a week and hotspots outside the capital include Reading, Bristol, Gloucester and Oxford.
BarriersDirect.co.uk are one of many companies on the right (cycle) track. They stock "round-tree" stands as well as wall mounts and other stands designed specifically to discourage thieves in less obvious areas. Janine Carhart also offers some words of wisdom for those having to leave bikes. "We strongly advise cyclists to lock both wheels and the frame to the stand if possible. Try and use a stand which supports the bike fully and prevents the front wheel from falling. Where possible, do not lock the tube of your bike to the stand as this makes a thieves' life easy!"
With the effects of the fuel crisis pressing heavily on drivers to swap their four wheeled vehicles for two, it is time to make stand up against bike theft. If the Criminal Justice system hasn't got the time or the resources to take this type of crime seriously, then the general public has to make a stand and lock up tight.
Barriers direct has been providing cycle parking solutions for many years and has put together a range of bike stands to suite local authorities, architects, designers, commercial and industrial organisations, as well as solutions for the home. They also provide car park barriers, bollards and smoking shelters.
For further details visit:
http://www.barriersdirect.co.uk/
http://www.barriersdirect.co.uk/categories/9_bike_stands_and_shelters
David Cameron has, of course, been the latest highly publicised victim when he was out "buying salad" and on return found his chosen mode of transport was not there. The clear-up rate for catching bike thieves is about 5% according to the CTC, (National Cycling Association), and even Cameron knew not to pursue the peddle pushers who took off with his faithful steed. A spokesman for the Tory leader agreed that, "He knew it was only a petty crime," he said "Police in that area have more pressing things to do."
The few thieves that are caught face risible sentences as illustrated by the punishment received by Daniel Westrop, 28, who last year stole around 1347 bikes in six months and still was not put behind bars. The vast range of cycles he stole during the rampage, on which he often sold more than two bikes a day from various tube stations, was thought to be worth around 310,000. The criminal received 100 hours community service, an ASBO and 3000 damages to pay. A British Transport Police spokeswoman said after the case: "We are very disappointed with the sentence. We expected he would be jailed and feel the court decision has more to do with the national lack of prison places than the gravity of the offences."
One of the main components thought to be contributing to this ever increasing problem is the lack of bike stands around the areas most commonly used by bicyclists. Many thieves target parks, side streets, cycle paths and city centres where, until now, stands have not been designed to be placed.
New types of bike stands are being designed against crime specifically for areas such as these, which previous designs have not catered for. The government have injected a further 140 million into making the UK a cycle-friendly nation which will hopefully ensure that these new stands will provide a safe-place in more remote locations where theft is rife.
Janine Carhart, managing director at Barriersdirect.co.uk, an online provider of secure fixtures, explains: "Cycle stands are one of the top sellers of all our security equipment, wall mounted stands being the most popular type. The Sheffield cycle stand has also now been recommended by the Cycling Touring Club (the UK's national cyclists' organisation) too which is good news for cyclist."
According to Halifax Home Insurance a bike is stolen every 65 seconds; that is over 1329 bikes a day amounting to approximately 9304 a week and hotspots outside the capital include Reading, Bristol, Gloucester and Oxford.
BarriersDirect.co.uk are one of many companies on the right (cycle) track. They stock "round-tree" stands as well as wall mounts and other stands designed specifically to discourage thieves in less obvious areas. Janine Carhart also offers some words of wisdom for those having to leave bikes. "We strongly advise cyclists to lock both wheels and the frame to the stand if possible. Try and use a stand which supports the bike fully and prevents the front wheel from falling. Where possible, do not lock the tube of your bike to the stand as this makes a thieves' life easy!"
With the effects of the fuel crisis pressing heavily on drivers to swap their four wheeled vehicles for two, it is time to make stand up against bike theft. If the Criminal Justice system hasn't got the time or the resources to take this type of crime seriously, then the general public has to make a stand and lock up tight.
Barriers direct has been providing cycle parking solutions for many years and has put together a range of bike stands to suite local authorities, architects, designers, commercial and industrial organisations, as well as solutions for the home. They also provide car park barriers, bollards and smoking shelters.
For further details visit:
http://www.barriersdirect.co.uk/
http://www.barriersdirect.co.uk/categories/9_bike_stands_and_shelters