The number of bicycle thefts in the City of York has reduced by 15% over the last 12 months say the local neighbourhood policing team.
As more people have opted to use bikes in recent years, like other places in the country York has seen an increase in cycle related crime. In response, the local Neighbourhood Policing Team have implemented a dedicated operation to prevent and disrupt offenders operating here.
This includes conducting proactive patrols, using specialist tracker bikes, working with CCTV operators to monitor key areas 24/7 and hosting bike security events to reunite stolen bikes with their owners.
Over the last few weeks officers have been busy issuing posters across the city to advertise free bike marking events.
BikeRegister is the national cycle database which is used by all UK police forces to search for stolen bicycles and reunite them with their rightful owners.
Since April 2025 officers have marked 800 bikes in York with BikeRegister, you can find your nearest bike marking event via the BikeRegister website.
On the frontline, proactive tactics have produced some great results.
Earlier this month officers arrested a man who was wanted in relation to various bike thefts in York. He was subsequently charged with bike theft and handed a 32-week prison sentence.
Officers are also using a specialist tracker bike which is strategically positioned in various points across the city. The bike was stolen from Deangate, CCTV operators observed the suspect leaving the area as officers tracked him back to an address in Clifton.
The man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of theft, subsequently charged and remanded in custody. He is awaiting his day in court.
The team are continuing to work with various partners including the City of York Council, York Minster Police, York Cycle Campaign, Evans Cycles and the York Bid to ensure that there is a collaborative approach to sharing information and working with the public.
In the last few weeks, the York Bid have started to open secure spaces for people to store their bikes in the city.
The Neighbourhood Policing Inspector for York, Jen Stockwell said: “York is a cycling city, and we know how devastating it can be to have a bike stolen. That’s why tackling cycle theft is a clear priority for us.
“We’re working with local partners to deliver bike marking events, provide crime prevention advice, and make it harder for thieves to operate. At the same time, we’ve increased both covert and high-visibility patrols in the city centre to catch offenders and prevent crime.
“I’d encourage anyone who hasn’t yet had their bike marked to come along to one of our free BikeRegister events – and please report any suspicious activity straight away using 101 or 999 if it requires an immediate response.”
