Merseyside Police has released pictures of a recently recovered bike in the hope of tracing the original owners.

The bike was recovered in South Liverpool but it is believed that it was stolen from Sefton sometime before 10th September this year.

Neighbourhood Inspector Jim Atherton said "I would urge anyone who has had their bike stolen recently and recognises the bike in the pictures to call Constable Mavrakakis on 0151 777 5340 to arrange a meeting.

"Officers will then conduct checks and ask for proof of ownership before it is released. This is a necessary measure to ensure the bike is reunited with its rightful owner.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to remind people about the basic steps that you can take to keep your property safe. In particular, officers in Formby currently run an initiative called Operation Dragonfly, that encourages people to register and records details of their valuables for free at Immobilise.com.

"Immobilise.com is a database of bikes, mobile phone, lap tops and computers. The police can access this database and, when stolen goods are recovered, can identify who they belong to and return them.

"Additionally, electronic chips called 'immobitags' can be bought through the local Homewatch scheme in Formby for a discounted rate. They fit inside the bike frame and are an extra way to protect your bike."

For more information on Operation Dragonfly visit www.merseyside.police.uk or call 101 and ask to speak to your local dedicated policing team.

Alternatively come along to a crime prevention surgery. Please call 101 for more information.

Originally Posted by roving-eye

Merseyside Police has released pictures of a recently recovered bike in the hope of tracing the original owners.

The bike was recovered in South Liverpool but it is believed that it was stolen from Sefton sometime before 10th September this year.

Neighbourhood Inspector Jim Atherton said "I would urge anyone who has had their bike stolen recently and recognises the bike in the pictures to call Constable Mavrakakis on 0151 777 5340 to arrange a meeting.

"Officers will then conduct checks and ask for proof of ownership before it is released. This is a necessary measure to ensure the bike is reunited with its rightful owner.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to remind people about the basic steps that you can take to keep your property safe. In particular, officers in Formby currently run an initiative called Operation Dragonfly, that encourages people to register and records details of their valuables for free at Immobilise.com.

"Immobilise.com is a database of bikes, mobile phone, lap tops and computers. The police can access this database and, when stolen goods are recovered, can identify who they belong to and return them.

"Additionally, electronic chips called 'immobitags' can be bought through the local Homewatch scheme in Formby for a discounted rate. They fit inside the bike frame and are an extra way to protect your bike."

For more information on Operation Dragonfly visit www.merseyside.police.uk or call 101 and ask to speak to your local dedicated policing team.

Alternatively come along to a crime prevention surgery. Please call 101 for more information.

I'm surprised the most important thing isn't mentioned, that is getting a D-lock. It's all well and good registering it with immobilise and tagging it etc, but you are still very unlikely to get it back. So the best thing to do is stop it from being stolen in the first place; even get two locks - to try to make it as difficult as possible.

Originally Posted by chris93

I'm surprised the most important thing isn't mentioned, that is getting a D-lock. It's all well and good registering it with immobilise and tagging it etc, but you are still very unlikely to get it back. So the best thing to do is stop it from being stolen in the first place; even get two locks - to try to make it as difficult as possible.

Damn good advice Sir ! But don't for heavens sake get a cheap 'combination' type.
They are next useless !
When I worked in Preston, I used to walk into town to get lunch with colleagues, we ALWAYS moved a particular cycle that was locked to railings, and re-locked it to different railings . Never so far away that the owner could not see it from where he left it, just for a laugh !
Always wondered what he thought when he got to it ! Did I really leave it there? was I still hungover from last night ? I'm sure it was over there !

There's certainly an increase in demand for bikes, in part due to the Olympics/Tour of France success of B.Wiggins and Co. The very high cost of car insurance for new drivers and increased awareness of health issues is another factor, along with better cycle-paths/lanes.

More bikes purchased equals more bikes on the road - and a ready market along with more opportunities for unscrupulous thieves. It pays to always lock bikes, preferably to something solid. At home store them out of sight, locked and under cover. High value machines are best kept indoors where possible, as garden sheds have been broken into.

Originally Posted by chris93

I'm surprised the most important thing isn't mentioned, that is getting a D-lock. It's all well and good registering it with immobilise and tagging it etc, but you are still very unlikely to get it back. So the best thing to do is stop it from being stolen in the first place; even get two locks - to try to make it as difficult as possible.

Good advice indeed but what are you meant to do to stop them from stealing it from a locked shed behind a locked gate, in a private garden? The sad fact is if they want your bike then they will get it one way or another. I hope this one is reunited with its owner soon, and fingers crossed this is not a one off.

Originally Posted by chris93

I'm surprised the most important thing isn't mentioned, that is getting a D-lock. It's all well and good registering it with immobilise and tagging it etc, but you are still very unlikely to get it back. So the best thing to do is stop it from being stolen in the first place; even get two locks - to try to make it as difficult as possible.

Most D-locks can be opened with a simple biro!

Originally Posted by roving-eye

Merseyside Police has released pictures of a recently recovered bike in the hope of tracing the original owners.

The bike was recovered in South Liverpool but it is believed that it was stolen from Sefton sometime before 10th September this year.

Neighbourhood Inspector Jim Atherton said "I would urge anyone who has had their bike stolen recently and recognises the bike in the pictures to call Constable Mavrakakis on 0151 777 5340 to arrange a meeting.

"Officers will then conduct checks and ask for proof of ownership before it is released. This is a necessary measure to ensure the bike is reunited with its rightful owner.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to remind people about the basic steps that you can take to keep your property safe. In particular, officers in Formby currently run an initiative called Operation Dragonfly, that encourages people to register and records details of their valuables for free at Immobilise.com.

"Immobilise.com is a database of bikes, mobile phone, lap tops and computers. The police can access this database and, when stolen goods are recovered, can identify who they belong to and return them.

"Additionally, electronic chips called 'immobitags' can be bought through the local Homewatch scheme in Formby for a discounted rate. They fit inside the bike frame and are an extra way to protect your bike."

For more information on Operation Dragonfly visit www.merseyside.police.uk or call 101 and ask to speak to your local dedicated policing team.

Alternatively come along to a crime prevention surgery. Please call 101 for more information.

There was a bike very similar to this one - if it is an adult's bike, and looks new - abandoned lying in the road in Cross Street, Southport in June. There was a second bike close to it - a child's bike. I passed an hour or so later they were still there, I intended on taking them to the police station on my return. I came back after about another hour and the adult bike had gone.