‘Organized enterprise’ is behind cycle thefts

Cycle thieves are thought to be working together in small groups, according to Police.

The number of motorcycle thefts has risen to two reported stolen every day because of this “organized enterprise”.

Yesterday, Police issued a statement to remind cycle riders to make sure their vehicles are locked.

“Members of the public are reminded to secure their motorcycles and auxiliary cycles using the handlebar lock as well as a supplementary lock before leaving them unattended and to report any suspicious persons or activity around parked cycles in their neighbourhoods.

“It is believed that cycle thieves may be working in small groups, and are likely using trucks to transport the stolen cycles.”

Asked if the recent rise in thefts is gang related, a police spokesman said: “We cannot say definitively if the thefts of cycles are associated with gangs. What we can say is, it is an organized enterprise.”

As far as how long it takes to recover cycles, the spokesman said it varies and admitted that in some cases, the cycle is never found.

Asked if there are places bike thieves can go to sell parts, the spokesman said: “We believe there is an active black market, or underground illegal network, where bike parts are purchased and sold.”

And asked how many stolen bikes are reported weekly, the spokesman said: “The average is around two a day; we are now seeing a slight rise.”

Police are also appealing to  the public for information regarding stolen cycles.

The statement said: “Persons with relevant information regarding the whereabouts of suspected stolen motorcycles, auxiliary cycles or suspected stolen cycle parts should contact the main police telephone number 295-0011 at the earliest opportunity.”