Cycle thefts drop after massive Islington police crackdown
Bicycle owner Kristy Norris and PC Jayne Anslow from Islington STT - Credit: Archant
A massive police crackdown on bike crooks has led a swath of arrests and recovered cycles as well a big drop in offences.
Since Islington Police’s Safer transport Team (STT) ramped up their focus on bike thefts last October a total of 48 people have been arrested for cycle and recovered 19 two-wheelers worth £12,000 which have been returned to their owners.
The operation has also lead to overall bike thefts in the borough dropping by 8 per cent compared with the same period last year.
John Hackers, from Islington Cyclist Action Group, said: “We absolutely love it. Bikes being stolen is apparently one of the main reasons people don’t cycle as much as they might.
“Getting on top of bike thefts is fantastic news.
“Well done Islington police.”
In one operation, officers saw 29-year-old man attempt to steal a Pashley bicycle which had a Brooks saddle, locked to a stand in Goswell Road, Finsbury.
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They found him with bolt croppers, allan keys and spanners. He was arrested, charged and later sentenced to four months imprisonment.
Another investigation led to a prolific bike thief being given a five year Antisocial Behaviour Order (ASBO) and a suspended 18 month prison sentence.
Insp Phil Burke, from STT, said: “Our combined efforts in the last year have helped reduce cycle theft in Islington. We will continue to make it a difficult place for thieves to operate by enforcement and educating cyclists on the importance of cycle security.”
Another investigation by the STT led to a prolific cycle thief being given a five year Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) as well as a suspended 18 month prison sentence.
The unit have also stepped up high visibility patrols to discourage thieves, surveillance and undercover policing tactics.
Inspector Phil Burke, Islington Safer Transport Team, said: “Our combined efforts in the last year have helped reduce cycle theft in Islington. We will continue to make it a difficult place for thieves to operate by enforcement and educating cyclists on the importance of cycle security.”
He added the unit run regular cycle marking and security events. For more information visit ww.met.police.uk/teams/transportnw/islington/”
