Six arrested in cycle theft operation

This summer Avon and Somerset Police Force has been running operations to tackle bike theft, with covert capture bikes and dedicated teams of officers to observe theives in action.

The Summer 2010 newsletter of the Cabot and Clifton wards (which makes up most of the central area of the city) reports the following:

"Six people arrested during a neighbourhood team day of action on cycle theft."

The day included a cycle security and safety surgery (similar to the event pictured right).

Officers and staff from Bike UK offered free security advice, proper locking demonstrations and discount bike locks as part of community engagement activities for Operation Relentless.

The event took place on Castle Park cycle path, outside the Bristol Royal Infirmary and the Clifton Down shopping area.

At the same time a team of officers and PCSOs, led by Sergeant Steve Bell, patrolled the city on bikes giving guidance on safe cycling on the road.

This follows community concerns about the behaviour of cyclists at traffic lights and on pavements.

Covert operations were also held at several locations in the city centre with covert capture bikes and dedicated teams of officers to observe them.

One of the officers on bike patrol caught a known cycle thief who was also wanted for shop lifting. Five others were arrested by covert officers.

PCSO Will Russell, who planned the operation with PCSO Nathan Dumble, said: “This is an operation we will be doing again because it was a great success.”