BikeRegister, a cycle database, is partnering with bike storage firm Cyclepods Ltd to combat bicycle theft at rail stations across the UK.
Recorded bike crime is greatest at rail stations, where bikes are often left all day while commuters are at work. British Transport Police recently reported that a total of more than £1.5m of bicycles have been stolen from railway stations in 2014, or 14 bikes being stolen from stations every day.
Cyclepods have been working with National Rail networks since they began in 2007. From traditional stands to their Easylift+ product and Cycle Hubs, the company has to date installed nearly 5,000 spaces across the UK. The new partnership with BikeRegister will introduce crime deterrents including warning signage across Cyclepods (www.cyclepods.co.uk) bike parking installations.
The signs warn thieves that the bikes stored are protected by BikeRegister and also advertise free BikeRegister registration for cyclists who have not yet signed up to the UK-wide scheme. By registering your bike for free with BikeRegister (www.bikeregister.com) your details are held on the secure online database which police forces across the UK have secure access to. The details you can upload for free are:
Frame number; manufacturer; model; colour; and owner’s contact details.
If your bike is stolen, you can flag it as such on the Bike Register website and the site will have information to provide to the police for them to look out for your bike. It also helps in getting your bike returned to you once stolen. BikeRegister permanent bike marking kits are available to buy from their online shop. Cyclepods bike storage facilities will be fitted with anti-theft signs in these stations over the next few months:
South West Trains
Fleet, Brokenhurst, Oakhampton Parkway, Esher, Haselmere and Worcester Park
Greater Anglia
Colchester, Norwich and Ely
Southern Rail
Lewes Cycle Hub; and Horsham Cycle Hub
East Midlands Trains
Rutland
Cyclepods will also be installing storage and signs with the following organisations in 2015:
Lewisham Council; Berkeley Homes; McClaren Construction; Barratt Homes; and D Wilson Architects.
Visit: www.bikeregister.com.