Information on Loughborough

Warning following cycle thefts around University of Leicester

Posted on 13/05/2009

police,constabulary,leicestershire police Warning following cycle thefts around University of Leicester

Police are warning university students in Leicester following a spate of bicycle thefts.

Over the last 30 days, 17 thefts of bicycles have been reported to local officers. Of those 12 were stolen around the University of Leicester and five in the Clarendon Park area. In all cases the bicycles had been chained up when they were stolen. 

PC Harvey Watson, neighbourhood officer for the Campus Park beat, said: “We appear to have thieves going around the area with either bolt croppers or something similar as the bike lock cables are being cut. 

“Someone must have seen these people in the area acting suspiciously. I would urge anyone who may have information about the thefts, or has been offered a bike for sale in suspicious circumstances, to please get in touch with police.

“The bikes stolen are expensive mountain bikes. I would encourage cyclists to purchase a good value ‘D’ lock as these are relatively cheap compared to the price of the bicycle.” 

Covert police patrols are being carried out in the area in an attempt to catch those responsible. Neighbourhood officers are also working in conjunction with the University’s security officers to raise awareness of crime prevention measures among students.

When leaving your bike unattended, there are some simple things you can do to deter thieves:

  • Invest in a good bicycle lock, they are relatively inexpensive - D locks or combination locks are best - look for ‘Sold Secure Ltd’ approved models or ask at a bicycle shop for a recommendation.
  • Whenever you leave your bicycle unattended, make sure you lock it to something secure, a purpose built bicycle rack is ideal.
  • It’s a good idea to take any removable parts (for example, wheels, saddle) with you when you leave your bicycle, or lock them with the bicycle if you can.
  • Get your bicycle security-marked or engraved - contact the crime prevention officer at your local police station or check out our diary dates for details of security-marking events.

To leave a message for PC 1129 Harvey Watson call Leicestershire Constabulary on 0116 222 2222, follow the instructions to leave a message and when prompted key in the officer’s identification number 1129.