Kent Police Crack Down on Bike Theft with Free Marking Events
Kent Police Volunteer Cadets and the Ashford Community Safety Unit (CSU) have been hitting the streets all summer, marking bikes to stop thieves in their tracks.
Summer Bike Marking Blitz Hits Ashford
The campaign kicked off on 28 July with officers visiting Aldington, Wye, Challock, and Charing. That day alone, they marked 26 bikes, tagging them to help trace any stolen cycles.
Then, on 20 August, the team—including PCSOs and Cadets—swooped on Godington, Gallagher Retail Park, Victoria Park, and Little Burton. They tagged another 82 bikes, stepping up the fight against bike crime.
Police Warn: Bike Theft Rises in Summer
“Nationally, bicycle theft reports spike during the summer months because more people are out cycling,” said Crime Prevention Officer PCSO Laura Langridge. “Since the pandemic, cycling has soared as a popular way to get around. Our events help Ashford cyclists protect themselves from theft.”
The free property-marking events are open to everyone. PCSOs give handy crime prevention tips on the spot. Marking your bike makes it easier to identify and return if stolen or lost.
Next Stops: Hamstreet, Tenterden & Stanhope Fayre
- Thursday 26 August: Hamstreet, Appledore, Tenterden, and Biddenden
- Tuesday 31 August: Stanhope Ball Court, 12pm–3pm, as part of the Stanhope Summer Fayre in partnership with the Big Tidy
Got a bike? Don’t miss out—get it marked and keep it safe this summer.
