The number of bike crimes reported to Police Scotland witnessed a significant decline, dropping from 6056 incidents in 2017/18 to 4600 in 2019/20. This reduction reflects the ongoing efforts by police forces to address bike-related crimes. Meanwhile, in England and Wales, PFEW Roads Policing Lead Brian Booth has highlighted the challenges posed by the increasing number of electric vehicles on the roads and the corresponding pressures on police resources.
Officers from the City of London Police have dedicated their efforts throughout the year to ensure the safety of the public and their belongings. In tackling bike crimes, Supt Mark Cleland, the national police lead for cycle theft, has initiated a training program for 23 ‘regional experts’ in the British Transport Police, focusing on strategies to combat cycle crime effectively.
In response to these crimes, various police departments have employed advanced equipment and vehicles. Notably, the Delhi police have modified Pulsars, removing the rev limiter to enhance performance. In Scotland, Selectamark Security Systems PLC’s BikeRegister and SelectaDNA tagging spray kits have been used effectively, particularly in Edinburgh.
Police motorcycles, like the Western Police Bike in GTA IV, inspired by the Harley-Davidson Road King FLHP Electra Glide, play a crucial role in law enforcement. These bikes are often equipped with features such as a 1100 cc four-cylinder EFI engine, designed to meet the specific needs of police operations. Additionally, Harley-Davidson has announced a new warranty for its 2023 Police duty models, ensuring reliability and performance.
The use of police bicycles, typically mountain bikes, has also been a significant aspect of patrolling strategies, especially in areas where police cars are less effective. These bikes are not only used for patrolling but also play a vital role in enforcing traffic laws and ensuring road safety.
Amid these developments, Police Scotland has launched a national campaign to combat the rising trend of bike thefts and to promote bike security awareness. In addition to these efforts, individuals are encouraged to take preventative measures, such as using security marking kits to deter bike thefts.
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