How safe and secure is your bike?

The Royal Borough's community wardens and police community support officers (PCSOs) are helping to reduce bike theft across the borough - by making sure bikes make the security 'grade'.

When out on patrol, wardens and PCSOs will carry bike security 'grading' cards which will enable them to grade how well bikes have been secured. The card, which is looped through the wheel/handlebar, is removable and will not cause any damage to the bike. The scheme is sponsored by two Windsor bike shops, Cyclelife and Stows Cycles, and the bike owner can get a discount from either store if they present the grading card when they buy a lock.

Marks are awarded or deducted to give an overall grade for a range of different security measures, including:

• Wheel security
• Use and position of locks
• Potential for bike to cause obstruction.

Cllr Phill Bicknell, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Environment, said: "Bike crime is very inconvenient when it happens and it is important that we do all we can to get levels down. This latest initiative to grade people's bike security has been promoted by the community warden for inner Windsor Stephen Stentiford - once again a community warden has led the way, just the sort of stuff we expect from this resourceful team.

"We hope it will help to drive home the message that we all need to secure our bikes. I am delighted that two local cycle shops have come on board to support the scheme.

"I would encourage bike owners to register their bike with Immobilise* - so if their bike is unfortunately stolen, there is more chance they will be reunited. Many bikes cost thousands of pounds so it is worth registering with www.immobilise.com."

Sgt Sarah Grahame, Inner Windsor Neighbourhood Sergeant, said: "This is an excellent idea and we are excited to work alongside the Royal Borough to help reduce bike theft. This scheme will help raise awareness of how to correctly secure a bicycle, providing a deterrent to thieves in the Royal Borough."

*Immobilise is a free service where residents can register possessions. It is supported by Thames Valley Police and can help trace lost property to its owner.

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