Police have warned local cyclists after three high-valued bikes were stolen from Rushcliffe Arena within days.
Thieves targeted two bikes parked in Rugby Road on Monday (17 May) between 4.45-5.30pm and a further bike was reportedly taken from the area on Thursday (20 May) just before 6pm.
A specialised ‘Pitch 202’ bike in maroon with orange writing, valued at around £500, was stolen from a teenage boy after the lock had been bolt-cropped.
Meanwhile a second bike was reportedly taken at around 5.18pm after two men were seen acting suspiciously in the area.
The third bike was taken from the same location after a plastic lock was reportedly cut with a pair of bolt-croppers.
Officers were also called to Wilford Lane in West Bridgford following a fourth expensive bike being taken at around 5.30pm on Thursday (20 May). A ‘Merida Speeder 200’ in black with yellow markings was taken from outside a fitness club and it’s reportedly worth £500.
The force have now issued CCTV images of two men they would like to speak to in connection with the incident. If you can help with the investigation please contact the police by calling 101.
The local Neighbourhood Policing team are investigating the incidents and staging an event to tackle bicycle theft at the end of the month in partnerships with the local council.
Neighbourhood Inspector Craig Berry is asking the community to be vigilant. He said: “All the victims are clearly deeply upset after having their bikes stolen and we are determined to do everything to get them back for them.
“We are working with local partners to carry out extensive CCTV enquiries.
“The key deterrent to thieves is the lock. Almost all bikes stolen are secured with a weak lock which take seconds to cut through. We are urging cyclists to secure their cycles with a strong lock such as a D-Lock.
“As part of our crime prevention work we will be holding a special bike marking event at the Arena between 5-7pm today (Thursday 27 May). We hope to see as many of you down there and be able to give you advice of how to keep your bike safely.
• Bike Marking event at Rushcliffe Arena this week
“Our previous bike marking events have been really successful and it’s proven in the past as a massive crime deterrent because it makes it harder for criminals to sell bikes on and makes it easier for the police to reunite stolen bikes with their owners.
“We are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and have any information. We are particularly keen to track down a man described as around 25-years-old, white, medium build, around 5’10” tall, wearing a red cap, a navy jacket and jeans. A second man had his hood up, but was described as medium build, around 5’10” tall and a similar age.”
A Rushcliffe Borough Council spokesperson said: “The Council is working in partnership with the police to prevent and detect cycle theft and have introduced a scheme at Rushcliffe Arena so members and visitors can hire a D-lock if required during their visit to the site.
“Cyclists can simply give their details at the leisure centre’s reception to borrow a lock to secure their bike whilst using the facilities.
“Meanwhile the bike security event takes place today (27 May) at the entrance to Rushcliffe Arena where you can get your bike marked and registered for free. This helps bikes be reunited with their owners when recovered.
“There’s also a chance to exchange your weaker bike lock for a stronger D lock with a limited supply available and a crime prevention stall to find out more how to protect your bike from thieves.”
If anyone has any information which could help police with their investigation into the cycle thefts they are urged to contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101, or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
