Bike owners in the borough will have the opportunity to have their cycles marked, registered and pick up a free bike lock at drop in event next month.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s bike security event will take place on Wednesday 3 September between 2pm and 6pm in the area between Central Car Park and Festival Place in Basingstoke town centre. Organised in partnership with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary and Basingstoke Neighbourhood Watch, the event aims to reduce the risk of bicycle theft in the borough.

Police officers will be on hand to add security marks to bicycles and to register them on a national database which will make them easier to find if they are stolen. There will also be an opportunity for people to take part in their ‘Let’s Talk’ survey.

The council’s community safety patrol officers will also be handing out free bike locks, which have been funded through the Safer Streets Fund, a government initiative to reduce crime in England and Wales.   

The council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Partnerships and Inclusion Cllr John McKay said: “With more people choosing to use active and sustainable modes of transport to travel around the borough, we are keen to provide some practical help, information and advice to help them keep their bikes safe and increase the chance of them being recovered if stolen.

"If you are a cyclist, please do drop in to the event anytime between 2pm and 6pm, have your bike marked and registered and pick up a free bike lock.”

Children under 16 years should be accompanied by an adult. Find out more about the bicycle database, including details of this event by visiting www.bikeregister.com/events