Merseyside Police are encouraging the public to get their bikes security marked at a series of free events throughout January and into the new year.
The force is working in partnership with BikeRegister, the UK’s bike marking and registration scheme and have done for several years.
The scheme helps to reduce theft, identify stolen bikes and return recovered bikes to their rightful owners.
Merseyside Police will be on hand to register bikes on the national database, provide security marking and offer crime prevention advice on how to lock them securely to deter thieves.
Jessica Farrugia, a BikeRegister spokesperson said: “Used by all UK police forces, BikeRegister can help to reduce the likelihood of cycle theft by around 83%.
“In Merseyside, Wirral saw bike thefts drop by almost half after combining bike marking events with routine police stop-checks – proving it really changes offender behaviour.”
“Events like these raise awareness, bring communities together, and make bikes harder to steal,” Jessica added.
“In Merseyside, they’ve been part of a strategy that significantly cut thefts. The plan is to expand school programmes, run more community events, and use registration data to target hotspots – creating a culture where protecting your bike is the norm.”
As many people receive new bikes at Christmas, officers are urging owners to get their bike marked and registered for free.
This includes legal e-bikes which can also be registered to help deter thieves and support recovery if stolen.
Alongside public events, officers will be carrying out bike marking at more than 25 secondary schools across Merseyside.
Inspector Cheryl McKeegan, Youth Prevention and Safer Schools, said: “By delivering bike marking sessions directly in secondary schools, we’re giving students a really easy way to protect their property, while providing reassurance to parents and carers.
“These sessions also open up conversations with young people about keeping themselves and their belongings safe, which is a key part of our work in schools.”
BikeRegister believe many bike owners think a lock is enough, however, they said cheap cable locks offer little protection, as they can be cut in seconds.
They believe it’s important to invest in high-quality D-locks and to use them whenever the bike is unattended.
According to BikeRegister, the most effective steps are:
- Use a strong, Gold Sold Secure-rated lock.
- Mark and register the bike visibly.
- Always lock it properly, wherever it’s left.
The activity is part of the Winter of Action campaign, which aims to tackle crime, support residents and keep communities safe throughout winter.
It forms part of Operation Gears, which launched in July 2025 to crack down on the illegal use of electric bikes, e-scooters and off-road motorcycles.
In the last year, more than 1,500 bikes have been registered at events held in schools, churches, supermarkets and through close collaboration with local bike retailers.
For dates, times and locations of upcoming bike marking events, visit your local policing page on Facebook.
Featured image: BikeRegister
