Free Haldon Forest police event this weekend aims to protect Devon’s cyclists
Devon & Cornwall Police are hosting a free bike marking event at Haldon Forest Park, helping cyclists register their bikes and learn practical ways to reduce the risk of theft
Cyclists are being invited to a free bike security marking event at Haldon Forest Park this weekend to help reduce cycle theft and improve the chances of stolen bikes being returned to their owners.
The event, organised by officers from the Teignmouth and Dawlish Neighbourhood Police Team, will take place at the forest's mountain bike centre this Sunday, 9 August, between 10am and 2pm.
Police say security marking allows bikes to be registered on the national BikeRegister database, which is used by police forces across the UK to identify recovered stolen bikes and reunite them with their owners.
Police Community Support Officer Saul Bunce said: "We know that bike owners are more likely to have their cycles stolen if they are not security marked.
“The Bike Register is a database used by UK police forces to reunite hundreds of stolen bikes every year with their owners.
"Everyone is welcome to this event and we look forward to seeing plenty of cyclists there."
Haldon Forest Park, near Exeter, is a popular destination for mountain biking in Devon, attracting riders from across the county every year.
Alongside the free marking event, Devon & Cornwall Police are encouraging cyclists to take simple steps to help protect their bikes from theft.
The force recommends using two quality locks, ideally including a D-lock, to secure the frame and both wheels to a fixed cycle stand.
Cyclists are also advised to park in well-lit areas covered by CCTV where possible and to take removable items, such as lights or saddlebags, with them.
Police also recommend registering a bike's frame number on the national BikeRegister database and having the frame security marked.
If a stolen bike is recovered, officers can check the database and identify its owner.
The force is also reminding cyclists not to overlook security at home, advising owners to lock bikes securely in garages or sheds and avoid revealing where they are stored through social media or fitness apps.
More than 1.5 million bikes have been registered with BikeRegister, which is used by every UK police force to help identify stolen and recovered cycles.