Cyclists are being given another opportunity to help stop bike thefts and claim a free tracking device.
Sixty-five high-quality GPS trackers, worth £100 have become available for cyclists in Newark in an effort to prevent bike theft and improve community safety.
The trackers have already proved to be extremely popular with recipients saying how much safer they’ve felt leaving their bikes unattended, especially while they are away or at work.
The trackers have been distributed as part of the Newark Safer Streets project as part of a joint partnership between the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Nottinghamshire Police, Newark and Sherwood District Council and Nottinghamshire County Council to improve security in areas particularly affected by acquisitive crimes such as burglary, vehicle theft and robbery.
It includes a package of measures to deter crime and anti-social behaviour.
The trackers are a small, lightweight accessory which is linked up to a smartphone app meaning the owner is able to trace the bike and can even alert the police to where the bike is being kept if it gets stolen.
Anyone who wishes to claim a tracker needs to meet the following criteria:
- Recipients do not necessarily need to live in Newark but should regularly travel into and around Newark by bicycle (under normal, non-COVID circumstances). Alternatively, recipients should live within the Chatham Court area or Northgate area (including Tithe Barn Court, Queens Court and Lovers Lane).
- Bikes should have cost at least £250 when purchased.
- Bikes should have been purchased within the last three years.
- Owners will need access to a smart phone to track the device. Extra weight will be given to those who have been a victim of cycle theft.
Inspector Charlotte Allardice, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Initiatives like bike trackers are a great way for the people and cyclists of Newark to feeler safer when it comes to leaving their bikes unattended.
“The device is only small but is a great tool to have attached to your bike if someone is using their bike in town and to help deter your bike from being stolen.
“We understand as a force that bike theft can have a devastating impact on people not only emotionally but financially too and therefore, safety measures like these are vital.
“Alongside our partners we are committed to making Newark a safer place to live and to help deter criminal behaviour by promoting and using initiatives such as the trackers.”
Councillor David Lloyd, leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “It is so encouraging to see the Safer Streets security measures, in particular GPS trackers, working effectively at making our residents feel safer in their community.
“As we have said before, we are committed to making Newark a safer place to live, work and visit, and these trackers are just one aspect of a wider initiative to do just that.
“I hope hearing positive feedback from residents that have already claimed their trackers motivates anyone else eligible to take this opportunity, as we all know that bike theft can be devastating for cyclists, who spend not just money but a lot of time and care on their bikes.”
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry said: “We take the safety of local people very seriously and will do whatever it takes to reduce their risk of crime.
“Bike theft is a distressing crime that causes owners considerable inconvenience, especially if they rely on their cycle for commuting to work. These fantastic devices not only help police to detect criminals but enable victims to be reunited with their property much more swiftly.”
Newark Cycles and Tallis Autostores have supported the project to date to ensure all the GPS trackers are fitted correctly and are correctly working on resident’s bikes.
Nottinghamshire County Councillor John Cottee, Chairman of the Communities Committee said: “This is yet another great example of the partnership work being done to help residents, commuters and students feel safer in Newark.
“These free tracking devices aim to encourage more people to ride their bikes in and around the town, as these devices help give peace of mind when storing bikes in public places.”
To apply, residents should contact the Safer Streets Team at Newark and Sherwood District Council by emailing community.safety@nsdc.info who will inform them if they have been successful.