A leading mountain bike trail centre is hosting a crime awareness day to encourage bike owners to protect their machines.
The Llandegla Mountain Bike Trail and Walks Centre has teamed up with North Wales Police for the event at the end of national Bike Week on Sunday June 27.
Mountain biking is a popular hobby throughout the region with people of all ages, many owning expensive bikes.
Costing between a few hundred and several thousands pounds the special bikes can be the target of thieves who sell them on or strip the machines down and sell off the parts over the internet or through car boot sales.
Stalls promoting advice and devices to protect bikes, garages and sheds will be set up near the centre’s car park and letters have been sent to bike shops across North Wales, Cheshire and Merseyside encouraging cyclists to come along.
PC Hazel Goss MBE, community safety officer for Flintshire, who has co-ordinated the event said the security drive is part of an awareness campaign aimed at reducing burglary and the number of bikes being stolen throughout Wrexham and Flintshire.
She said: “We would like as many bike owners as possible to come along. Security marking bikes is essential if we are to deter thieves from taking what are often very expensive machines.
“The advice and products available will help us combat this crime while instilling confidence in owners who want to pursue their hobby knowing that they have taken reasonable steps to protect their property.”
Ian Owen, manager at the Llandegla centre said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with North Wales Police on this fantastic event, which is full of simple, effective and cost-free ways of dramatically improving bike security. I would urge bike owners not to miss it.”
North Wales Police advice to cyclists is to:-
- Lock it – even if just leaving it for a minute.
- Park it – always lock it to a secure stand in a visible place.
- Mark it – use a property marking pen to identify your bike.
- Photo it – record a full description to help police with enquiries.
- Report it – if you have any information about who is stealing or selling on stolen bikes contact North Wales Police on 101 non emergency line in Wales or 0845 6071001 Welsh line 0845 607 1002 English line
The event runs from 10am – 4.00pm on Sunday June 27 at Llandegla Forest Visitor Centre, Ruthin Road, Llandegla LL11 3AA. www.coedlandegla.com www.oneplanetadventure.com
