|
Community Safety Message – Buying and Selling Bikes and E-Bikes Online We have received reports of thefts after arranging to buy or sell bikes and e-bikes through online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree. If you are planning to meet someone to buy or sell an item, please take the following precautions: 🚲 Stay Safe When Buying or Selling Bikes and E-Bikes Meet in a busy public place during daylight hours whenever possible. Avoid secluded locations or private addresses.Take someone with you. There is safety in numbers and having another person present can deter offenders.Tell someone where you are going, who you are meeting and when you expect to return.Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong or the other party changes the meeting arrangements unexpectedly, walk away.Be cautious of requests to meet in remote locations such as parks, industrial estates, alleyways or quiet residential streets.Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Where possible, use secure electronic payment methods and ensure funds have cleared before completing a sale.If selling a bike, do not hand it over until payment has been received and verified.If buying a bike, check ownership and ask for proof of purchase where available. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.Record details of the person you are meeting, including their profile information, contact details and any messages exchanged.Arrange any test rides carefully. Sellers should keep hold of the buyer's identification or another agreed form of security before allowing a test ride.Do not attend if you have concerns about your safety. Your personal safety is more important than completing a sale.📞 Report Suspicious Activity If you believe a crime is taking place or someone is in immediate danger, call 999. For non-emergency concerns or to report suspicious circumstances, contact 101 or report online through your local police force's website. Please share this advice with friends, family and cycling groups to help keep our community safe 
| 
