October sees the highest number of bicycle thefts in Cambridge of any month in the year, and it is predicted that this October could break the record for cycle crime.

The amount of bicycles stolen in October from the inner city last year was the highest ever recorded, and was almost double that of the number of offences in September 2015. Data reveals that bike thefts have increased almost 20 per cent through May to July 2016 compared with the previous year. If the trend continues, over 100 bikes could be stolen in the next month. Cambridgeshire police are warning students to ensure their bikes are secured against theft, and attribute the rise in cycle crime to the return of students to the city and the subsequent increase in bicycle use.

Sergeant Chris Horton, Cambridgeshire Constabulary, recommends that cyclists “secure their bikes with two decent D-locks and where possible use a proper rack which are [sic] designed to prevent theft.” Horton also suggests that “cyclists can also make use of marking schemes and websites where property can be registered online.”

Area Commander James Sutherland from South Cambridgeshire police advises “using a really good lock or using two locks of different types. Most thieves only come equipped to target one type of lock.”

Police also attended a five-day cycle crime prevention series of events from 19th-23rd September, at stops along the guided busway in Cambridge, to offer services including bike registration on Immobilise, the security marking of bikes, general security advice to prevent theft, and discounted D-locks.

The events are hoped to tackle the high levels of bike theft along the busway, with reportedly over 140 cycles stolen in the past year.

Edward Leigh, the chair of Smarter Cambridge Transport, suggests to people with bikes to “photograph yours, record the serial number on the frame, mark it with your postcode using a UV pen, or register it with BikeRegister or Immobilise.”

Leigh has called for the local council, businesses, shops and colleges to provide more secure areas of cycle parking, saying “It’s often the case that there is nothing available nearby to secure your bike to, and that makes it a gift to an opportunist thief.”

“Cambridge City Council has done a great job of installing high quality cycle parking around the city centre, but there’s need for more [...] We encourage everyone to lobby employers, shops, schools and colleges to install high quality cycle stands in convenient and highly visible locations.”

Tips for securing your bike:

• Use a good bike lock, such as a D-lock
• Lock your bike to a proper rack where possible
• Leave your bike where it is visible, such as in a busy, well-lit area, as a deterrent to potential thieves
• Take with you or lock up the removable parts, such as bike lights
• Security mark or engrave the frame of your bike
• Keep a clear colour photograph of your bike, and a record of the serial number and any notable features should it be stolen