Simple rules for keeping cycles safe

A SERIES of bike security workshops are set to be held in the Capital in a bid to tackle soaring numbers of cycle thefts.

Lothian and Borders Police have launched a new campaign, known as RULES, to teach cyclists about how best to secure their property.

RULES stands for: Register it. UV mark it. Lock it. Electronically tag it. Secure it.

The first security workshops was set to be held today in conjunction with the Bike Station, at Potterrow from 12pm-2pm.

The campaign will promote cycle marking to improve security. The marking is intended to deter theft and also involves a database, which matches bikes with their rightful owners if a stolen bike is recovered.

In the coming months, workshops are set to be held during the Corstorphine Fair on Saturday, Leith Gala Day on 12 June, and the Dalmeny Street Parklife event on 19 June.

Pc Fiona Blenkiron, a crime prevention officer, said: "Having your bike stolen can be really upsetting, not to mention expensive. At our workshops, we aim to demonstrate to people exactly what steps they should take to do this."

Figures show that a total of 1,818 bikes were stolen between April and December last year, a rise of 21 per cent on 2008.