Crime prevention advice

Community Alert: Increase in Bicycle Thefts in Wolverhampton City Centre

West Midlands Police is alerting residents, commuters and visitors to an increase in bicycle thefts in Wolverhampton city centre.

We are encouraging anyone cycling into the city centre to take a few simple steps to reduce the risk of their bike being stolen:

🔒 Use a strong lock – Choose a good-quality D-lock or heavy-duty chain and secure your bike to a fixed, secure cycle stand.

🚲 Lock the frame – Always secure the frame to the stand, rather than locking only a wheel. Where possible, secure the frame and both wheels.

📍 Choose a secure location – Park your bike in a busy, well-lit area or designated cycle parking facility. Avoid leaving it in isolated locations. Try to park in areas with visible CCTV.

⏱️ Do not leave your bike unattended for longer than necessary – Even a short period can provide an opportunity for thieves.

🔑 Remove accessories – Take removable lights, bags and other valuable accessories with you when leaving your bike.

📝 Record your bike details – Keep a note of the make, model, colour and frame number, and consider registering your bike with a recognised cycle registration service. Photographs can also help identify your bike if it is stolen.

👀 Report suspicious activity – If you see someone behaving suspiciously around cycle parking areas, report it to police. In an emergency or if a theft is taking place, call 999. For non-emergency reports, contact 101 or report online.

Taking a few extra precautions can make your bike less attractive to thieves and help protect your property when visiting Wolverhampton city centre.

Please share this alert with friends, family and fellow cyclists to help keep our cycling community safe.