Stolen bikes returned to owners

19 January 2011, 12:33 | Updated: 19 January 2011, 12:36

Two bicycles, which are alleged to have been stolen from addresses across Broxbourne, have now been returned to their owners after officers found the items registered on property database website www.immobilise.com.

The positive result followed a stop and search of a man riding a bicycle in Crossbrook Street, Cheshunt, by Sergeant Paula Reynolds and PC Victoria Gibson of the borough’s Safer Neighbourhood Teams, on Saturday (January 15).

Following inquiries and a search of a nearby address in Cheshunt, three bicycles, alleged to have been stolen, were recovered.

As is routine procedure, officers checked to see if the bikes had been security marked with details, such as the owner’s name and postcode, and found two had been registered on www.immobilise.com.

Although the third bike had not been security marked, officers were able to establish that it had been allegedly stolen during a burglary. All three bikes have now been returned to their owners.

It is believed the bikes were taken from sheds and garages in Wormley, Turnford and Cheshunt.

A 20-year-old man from London was arrested on suspicion of burglary and has been police bailed until the end of January.

Sergeant Paula Reynolds, who is based at Hoddesdon police station, said: “I am really pleased that we have been able to recover and return these bicycles to their rightful owners.

“This result highlights the importance of getting your property security marked and registered on a website such as www.immobilise.com, because if your property is ever lost or stolen, the police can return it to you quickly, as in this case.”

Paula added: “I would also like to remind residents to ensure their sheds or garages are properly secured to keep thieves out. Remember to securely lock them with a closed shackle padlock and secure windows with internal diamond mesh grilles which provide a good visual deterrent to opportunistic burglars. For more advice, please visit www.herts.police.uk or call 0845 33 00 222.”

Getting your property security marked is a quick, simple process. Just call the Broxbourne Safer Neighbourhood Action Team on 0845 33 00 222.