WIRRAL cyclists will have a chance to get their bikes security marked at a series of free events taking place across the borough in the coming weeks.

At the events, police will be on hand to register bikes on the national database, provide security marking and give crime prevention advice on how to lock them securely to deter thieves.

Upcoming bike marking events on Wirral are: 

  • Monday, February 19: Croft Retail Park, Bromborough from 9.30am–11.30am 
  • Wednesday, February 21: Tesco car park, Eastham from 1pm–3pm 
  • Thursday, February 22: Core Project, Bidston, 1pm–3pm
  • Friday, February 23: Birkenhead Park Visitors Centre from 9.30am–midday 
  • Friday, March 1: Duck Pond Lane Park, Prenton from 3.30pm-5.30pm 
  • Saturday, March 16: Birkenhead Park Visitors Centre, 3.30pm–5.30pm

Merseyside Police has worked with Bike Register - the UK’s national bike marking and registration scheme - for several years but has strengthened this partnership over the last year to tackle theft and robbery offences involving high-value bikes.

The scheme helps to reduce cycle theft, identify stolen bikes and return recovered bikes to their rightful owners. Merseyside Police say that since launching the bike marking scheme on Wirral, there has been a significant and sustained drop in bike thefts.

Acting Sergeant Pippa Wilcox, from the force's Prevention Hub, said: "By registering and marking your bike, you are 83% less likely to have your bike stolen, so it is something we highly recommend.

"Officers are actively checking bikes on Bike Register to see if they have been reported as lost or stolen. This has now resulted in a large number of stolen bikes being returned to their rightful owners.

"Most recently, a bike valued at more than £4,000 was returned to its owner after tracking them down through Bike Register and working with a bike shop in Everton.

“If you own a bike, please come along to one of our upcoming events, within a few minutes your bike will be registered and better protected to deter thieves.”

For tips on how to protect your bike from theft, click here: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-vehicles-safe/how-safe-is-your-bike/