Invercargill Police are urging bike owners to secure their bikes after a spate of bike thefts in the city during the week of 28 February - 6 March 2018.



During that week, 25 bicycles were either taken or unlawfully interfered with in Invercargill city.



The bikes range from specialised mountain bikes to children's bikes and road bikes.



On this map, the arrow indicates reported sightings of suspicious persons to Police in the Waverley area of Invercargill during this time.



Police encourage any member of the public who witnesses suspicious activity in progress, such as a person unlawfully on property, to call 111 and, if possible, provide details such as a a description of the person/s involved, a vehicle description and registration.



To help protect yourself from this type of crime, we would encourage everyone to lock garages, secure bikes if you can't lock them away, and to secure property if you go away.



All thieves are opportunists and will take advantage of any chance you offer them.



If buying a new bike, the bike shop will record your serial number on their records, so this will always able to be given to Police in the event your bike is stolen. The serial number is found under the bottom bracket (under the pedals).



We would also encourage you to take a photo of your bike, and the serial number, and keep the photos on file electronically.



If anyone has information which could assist Police to have the stolen bikes found and returned to their rightful owners, you can provide information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.



ENDS



Issued by Police Media Centre.