Cycle theft blackspot

York came fifth in a list compiled by Halifax Home Insurance, of the worst places for bike theft with Central London the thieves' favourite area last year, followed by Kingston-upon-Thames in south-west London.

Sandra Delf, co-operative director of York Cycleworks, in Lawrence Street, agreed there was undoubtedly a problem with bikes being stolen.

She said: "It is a problem and I think sometimes people are targeted when others know there is a nice bike somewhere.

"We usually advise people to buy a good lock, a D-lock at the very least and take little security precautions like locking wheels to the bike rather than having a quick-release system and also being careful where you leave it.

"I think York really needs a good secure parking place where people can leave their bike and know it's going to be safe, even if there's a fee to pay - maybe some part of a car park."

Sgt Martin Metcalfe of York police, agreed there is a huge problem but said the police have been cracking down.

He said a few months ago the city centre was the hotspot for thefts because of workers who cycle to their jobs. But since the police have been stopping cyclists and scanning their machines for electronic tags the number of thefts has dropped dramatically. But he said it has forced the problem into other areas of York, like near the Norwich Union building.

He said: "People are not helping themselves as what we're seeing is bikes left unlocked outside houses and shops and then people wonder why they are getting nicked."

The police have also been running initiatives where people can get their bike electronically tagged for free. Then if it is stolen and officers find it or stop the thief while they are riding it the true owner can be traced and the crook arrested.

The next free tagging event will be held on May 4 at York College, in Tadcaster Road, between 10am and 4pm. Other dates include, May 12 in Poppleton, May 13 in Copmanthorpe and June 8 in Parliament Street.