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As bike theft continues to be a rising issue, cyclists have claimed that they are using dangerous tactics to retrieve their stolen bikes. According to BBC analysis of police figures, less than three percent of reported bike thefts since 2019 have resulted in a charge or summons, contributing to a growing trend of people attempting to trace their stolen bikes themselves.
Fiona Ryalls, from Bristol, tracked her stolen bike down for sale on social media while James Steven used a tracking device to locate his bike, and was threatened when trying to take it back. Despite Avon and Somerset Police advising against taking action without police back-up, many individuals remain indignant, believing the police do not prioritize bike theft, or have the means to rectify the situation.
Many cyclists do not drive, and thus a bike may be their main method of transportation. For these individuals, the retrieval of a stolen bike may hold great sentimental and practical value. Cyclist advocacy group, Cycling UK, has conveyed for years the need for police forces to take bike theft seriously, and much can be done to curb it. Law enforcement officials are working to improve the experience of those who are victims of bike theft, and groups like Back Pedal are assisting in tracking down lost bikes with the use of GPS trackers.
Though bike theft may still pose a threat through opportunistic theft or professional organizations who target high-value bikes, groups like Back Pedal may potentially curtail the number of stolen bikes through their services. It may also lead to a decline in individuals resorting to dangerous measures to retrieve their bikes; however, changing the way police forces prioritize bike theft could prove to have a more significant impact overall
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