Riverside Beat Priority Update - Cycle Crime

Good afternoon all,

Next up is our update on the priority focusing on Cycle crime and theft of cycles:

The team has continued its focus on cycle crime prevention throughout the month, holding bike registration events at a number of locations including Leicester Royal Infirmary and Castle Gardens. These events allowed officers to register bicycles on a national database, provide free crime prevention advice and speak with cyclists about measures they can take to reduce the risk of theft. They also provided a valuable opportunity to engage with members of the public, encourage sign-ups to Neighbourhood Link and direct residents towards support services where appropriate.

Alongside this work, officers have carried out regular patrols at locations that attract large numbers of visitors, employees and students. These patrols are aimed at deterring theft, identifying suspicious behaviour and providing a visible policing presence. Locations visited this month included PureGym on Walnut Street, the Raw Dykes Road shopping area and the De Montfort University (DMU) campus.

The team also conducted a pilot deployment of Operation Pedalfast at DMU. The operation targets the unlawful use of e-bikes and e-scooters and was introduced as a trial within the Riverside area. The deployment resulted in the seizure of three e-scooters and two illegal e-bikes. During the operation, officers stopped a young man riding one of the illegal e-bikes and subsequently arrested him on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

The success of this initial operation demonstrates the value of proactive policing and targeted enforcement activity, and the team will continue to use intelligence-led patrols and engagement opportunities to tackle crime and keep local communities safe.

Sgt 1509 Wilson