Free bike marking events taking place across Merseyside

Merseyside Police is inviting the public to get their bikes security marked at a series of free events across the region.

The force is working in partnership with Bike Register to host bike marking events throughout the year. Since July 2023, more than 1000 bikes have been registered by officers. 

Bike Register is the UK’s national bike marking and registration scheme, which helps to reduce cycle theft, identify stolen bikes and return recovered bikes to their rightful owners.

At the events, officers from Merseyside Police will be on hand to register bikes on the national database, provide security marking and give crime prevention advice on how to lock them securely to deter thieves.

Acting Sergeant Pippa Wilcox, Prevention Hub said: “By registering and marking your bike, you are 83% less likely to have your bike stolen, so it is something we highly recommend.

“Officers are actively checking bikes on Bike Register to see if they have been reported as lost or stolen. This has now resulted in a large number of stolen bikes being returned to their rightful owners. Most recently, a bike valued at more than £4,000 was returned to its owner after tracking them down through Bike Register and working with a bike shop in Everton.

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

Merseyside Police has worked with Bike Register for several years but has strengthened this partnership over the last year to tackle theft and robbery offences involving high-value bikes.

Since launching the bike marking scheme in Wirral, there has been a significant and sustained drop in bike thefts. The scheme is now rolling out to Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Knowsley.

Upcoming bike marking events

Knowsley

• Friday 16 February – Jubilee Park (Jubilee Craftivists Funday), 11 AM – 1 PM
• Sunday 18 February – Unit 18, Newtown Gardens (former Dolls House), Kirkby, 1 PM – 4 PM

Sefton

• Thursday 15 February, Evans Cycles, Ocean Plaza, Southport, 3 PM – 5 PM
• Saturday 17 February, Co-op, Fylde Road, Southport, 2 PM – 4 PM

St Helens

• Monday 4 March, Perth Community Centre, Thatto Heath, 10AM – 11.30AM
• Wednesday 6 March, Church Square, Town Centre, 6PM – 7.30PM
• Saturday 9 March, Earlestown Market, 4PM – 5.30PM

Liverpool

• Friday 16 February – Firefit Youth & Community Hub, Toxteth, 10 AM – 12 PM
• Saturday 17 February – Sefton Park (junction of Lark Lane), 2.30 PM – 4.30 PM
• Friday 23 February – Asda, Smithdown Road, 10 AM – 3 PM

Wirral

• Monday 19 February – Croft Retail Park, Bromborough, 9.30 AM – 11.30 AM
• Tuesday 20 February – Heron Foods, Twickenham Drive, Leasowe, 1 PM – 3 PM
• Wednesday 21 February – Tesco car park, Eastham, 1 PM – 3 PM
• Thursday 22 February – Core Project, Bidston, 1 PM – 3PM
• Friday 23 February – Birkenhead Park Visitors Centre, 09.30 AM – 12 PM
• Friday 1 March – Duck Pond Lane Park, Prenton, 3.30 PM – 5.30 PM
• Saturday 16 March – Birkenhead Park Visitors Centre, 3.30 PM – 5.30 PM

Follow Merseyside Police’s social media channels for upcoming bike marking events near you.

For more practical tips on how to protect your bike from theft, visit: Protect your bike from theft | Merseyside Police.