Police warning as bike thefts and thefts from sheds on the increase in Southport

Thefts of bikes from the sheds/garages of two homes on Cedar Street in Southport occurred over the weekend. We have been in contact with the victims and one bike has been returned to its owner. The other bike is still outstanding as stolen. A third bike has been recovered and we are making attempts to see if we can link it to any recent thefts.

PCSO’s have today conducted a letter-drop on Cedar Street, appealing for residents to check to ensure there have been no other victims in the same area, and for any CCTV/door bell/dash cam footage which may help to identify the offenders. Similar incidents also took place over the weekend on Selworthy Road and Waterloo Road and also on Moss Lane and Farm Close. Investigations are ongoing to see if the incidents can be linked.

Clearly, sheds and garages are being targeted on the lead up to the Christmas period. Fitting a shed alarm is recommended. It doesn’t need to be expensive. Just something that may deter offenders and  that will alert you to someone on your property and give you time to make a call to the police while the crime is in action.

Bikes should be left locked with the strongest lock you can afford and preferably locked to an immovable or heavy object. Cheap cable locks (like the one pictured) can be easily cut through.  Bikes should have the frame number registered on the Bike Register database at www https://crowd.in/AjM49x 

Registering your bike will not stop it being stolen. Only a sturdy lock will do that, but it will help the police to identify who the bikes belong to and help us get them returned to their rightful owners.