Police in Cardiff have introduced a new tracker system which will allow them to hunt down stolen bikes.
The trackers, aimed at tackling cycle thefts across the city, are installed within the framework of decoy bikes which are deployed to areas experiencing thefts.
If these bikes are stolen, their movements can be traced and those who took the bike can be quickly caught.
It is the first time they have been used in South Wales.
Launched last week, the bikes have been deployed on six occasions with four hits – the quickest being 8 minutes.
Four males, including one prolific offender, have been arrested and legal proceedings are on-going in relation to these individuals.
Inspector Ian Tumelty, based at Cardiff Bay Police Station, said: “Thefts are of concern to cyclists in Cardiff and the decoy bikes are one way we can help to reduce such incidents.
“Anyone thinking of stealing a bike in Cardiff should certainly think twice, as they could end up riding away on one of our bikes.
“The tracking devices which are almost impossible to detect, could lead officers straight to their front door.”
It is estimated around 1,000 bikes are stolen in Cardiff each year with many recovered but the owners never traced due to them either not reporting them stolen or an absence of security markings on the bike.
Criminals who steal bikes often do so while committing other offences such as burglary or robbery or use stolen bikes as a method of transport to commit other crime.
Inspector Tumelty added: “My warning to thieves is the next bike you steal could be ours and my advice to bike owners is to always secure your bike with a good quality lock, ideally a D-lock. Together we can make life difficult for criminals.”
