JUSTICE MINISTER ALAN Shatter has asked the gardaí to compile a report on the growing problem of bicycle theft in Dublin.
The Fine Gael TD has asked officers to examine a UK initiative, which sees cycle theft tackled through high-visibility patrols, surveillance, intelligence-led operations, covert policing tactics and by marking bikes at free cycle surgeries.
The issue was raised in a recent parliamentary question by Labour deputy John Lyons, who suggested the establishment of an operation similar to the Project Cycle Ops in London.
In recent years, gardaí have urged cyclists to keep a record of their bicycles’ frame identification numbers, colours and other unique features. A YouTube video was also developed last year to encourage vigilant security measures.
A number of stations are currently involved in a pilot scheme which allows members of the public to view photographs of recovered property on Flickr and other social media sites.
CSO figures reveal that about 4,000 bicycles were stolen from Dublin last year.
Last week, singer Bressie highlighted the issue after his bicycle was robbed.
“There seems to be huge increase in robberies of bikes and these bikes can be seriously expensive. Please don’t buy bikes if unsure of origin,” he said on Twitter.
The culprit, in that case, was arrested by gardaí.
Police in London believe the increased activity has seen some excellent results, with 16 arrests in just one week in August following the initiative targeting thieves.
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