CYCLISTS are being encouraged to make the most of a initiative which aims to prevent bike theft.

North Wales Police Central Community Safety Department is working in partnership with bike retailers including Halfords in Rhyl and Llandudno, The Bike Hub in Rhyl, West End Cycles in Llandudno Junction and One Planet Adventure in Llandegla.

Retailers will be security marking all new bikes - sold to customers in the area - with tamper proof wraps, free of charge.

The service will also be available for bikes purchased through the website. All bikes, in the area, serviced at these stores, will also have the security marked wrap applied as part of the service.

Sergeant Beth Jones, of Central Community Safety, said: “This is a great opportunity to work with the bike retailers in our area to provide crime prevention measures before the bikes have left the store.

“Last year 88 per cent of bikes stolen in North Wales were insecure at the time of the theft. These thefts were preventable and this initiative will help make more bikes in North Wales traceable and less desirable to thieves.

“We are also working with the retailers to assist customers in choosing approved quality locks and other products to secure bikes when they are not in use.”

The Police and Community Trust (PACT) have provided funding to support the initiative.

Project Manager Dave Evans said: “We are delighted to support this initiative as part of the ongoing Big Easy strategy. We feel that the Big Easy is fundamental in changing people’s attitudes to crime prevention and would encourage members of the public to protect their bikes.”

Anyone who has a bike but doesn’t use these retailers for sales can contact Central Community Safety Department who can mark the bike.

Email lpscommsafety@nthwales.pnn.police.uk or telephone 01745 588 776.