You can get your bike marked for free this month to protect it from theft

Local policing in south Sefton are holding free bike marking events to encourage the public to protect their bikes from theft or robbery this Summer.

Now that the days are getting longer many people will be enjoying the sunshine on their bikes, which sadly can attract thieves.

Marking your bike can act as a deterrent to would-be thieves as the bike is permanently marked and makes it more difficult to sell.

At the free bike marking event, it will be marked with a unique code and added to the national Bike Register database, making it easier for police to reunite stolen bikes with their owners. Then when a bike is found, officers can check the Bike Register to see if they have been reported as lost or stolen and return it to their rightful owner.

The free bike marking events will be held on the following days:

• Friday 16 May at Netherton Activity Centre from 10am to 12pm
• Thursday 22 May at The Meadows, Maghull Leisure Centre from 3pm to 5pm
• Friday 23 May at Maghull Cricket Club, from 3pm to 5pm

With the popularity of electric bikes being used, did you know that there are certain requirements to ensure that electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs) can be legally ridden?

• Cyclists must be aged 14 and over to ride an electric bike as long as it meets certain requirements
• The maximum speed an electric bike can reach with the motor being used is 15.5mph
• The motor has a maximum power output of 250 watts

If an electric bike does not meet the EAPC rules it is classed as a motorcycle or moped which then needs to be registered and taxed, and the rider will need a driving licence and wear a crash helmet.

Chief Inspector for South Sefton Local Policing, Jordan Quinn said:

“Bikes, especially electric bikes, can be costly items to buy, and these bike marking events will help secure their property and help us to return it to the rightful owner.

“As bikes can be expensive I would advise people to consider purchasing a tracking device to help provide peace of mind in the chance of recovering a stolen bike.

“However please be assured that we are working hard to disrupt and arrest offenders with officers actively on patrol in the area.

“We have also provided advice to parents, via schools, about the legal requirements to ride electric bikes and that children need to be aged 14 years plus.

“In addition we advise people to purchase electric bikes from authorised retailers to ensure the lithium battery fitted the bike meet safety requirements so they don’t cause a fire.

“If you own a bike or e-bike, please come along to one of our upcoming events, within a few minutes your bike will be registered and better protected.”

Anyone with any information about anti-social behaviour or the illegal use of bikes is asked to call Merseyside Police on 101, DM us @MerPolCC or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.