Police in South Molton offer bike marking for cyclists

Police officers in South Molton are inviting cyclists to get their bikes security marked to keep them safe from potential thieves.

The free event will take place on Thursday 25 January at South Molton Pannier Market in Broad Street, South Molton and officers will be there from 9am until 1pm for anyone that wants to bring their bicycle along.

The event falls on the regular market day and officers are hoping lots of local residents come along to meet them. The event is taking place during National Neighbourhood Policing Week of Action which highlights the public engagement and visibility of local police teams across the UK.

Sergeant Robert Brown, Neighbourhood Team Leader for South Molton, said: “We are often at the market with our ‘pop up police station’ where you can find us, other volunteers and partner agencies offering a range of information in our chosen fields. We often have a good turnout and are grateful to South Molton Town Council for the opportunity to have a space in their award-winning market. So please come along and say hello if you are in the area and ask about the bike marking, as well as any other queries you may have.”

“The bike marking is being funded by a donation from the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) which allows community groups and local good causes to benefit from money and assets seized from criminals. The South Molton Volunteer Bureau successfully bid for the money and were awarded £1506. The marking kits mean that bicycles can be traced back to their owner should they be stolen.       

“It is important to think about crime prevention at this time of year, especially as many people, including many children, received new bikes as gifts over the festive period.”

People can register their bicycles at www.bikeregister.com

The police bike marking initiative is part of a wider event on 25 January at the Assembly Rooms called ‘South Molton Gets Together’ organised by One South Molton. This community day is a free wellbeing event with lots of activities for all ages, as well as refreshments and music. More information is available on their website ONE SOUTH MOLTON or One South Molton Facebook page.  

To get more updates about the local Neighbourhood Police Team please follow South Molton Police on Facebook or @SMoltonPolice on X (formerly Twitter) or you can visit the force website www.devon-cornwall.police.uk

For more information about National Neighbourhood Policing Week of Action visit Neighbourhood policing week of action 2024 | College of Policing