Cycle theft is a huge problem in the city of Hull. Between February last year and January this year, 1,977 bikes were stolen in the city, although that does not include bikes taken from sheds and garages.

The previous year, 1,939 bikes were stolen. To help tackle this issue, Hull’s leading shopping centre is working with Humberside police to reduce cycle theft and has installed some of the securest cycle racks in the city at its Park Street entrance. The innovative system, called the Streetpod, is the only ‘secured by design’ police approved cycle parking product.

Inspector Pete Ogden, Portfolio Holder for Cycle Theft says: “Cycle theft is a problem across the City of Hull, so we are keen to work with local businesses and communities to reduce crime, where possible. Many people rely on their bikes as their primary means of transport. They are understandably devastated if it is stolen, particularly when they have locked it to something secure.

“The Police fully support St Stephen’s and its investment in the Secure By Design’ bicycle parking facility. We want visitors to the city centre to be able to leave their cycles in a safe environment, by using preventative measures like this to deter thieves.”

St Stephen’s shopping centre has received national recognition for its focus on customer service and providing the city with an outstanding retail destination. It has also been commended on several occasions for its efforts to reduce its environmental impact and its proactive community relations, helping to make the city of Hull a success.

Tony van der Vliet says: “Following customer feedback we have just installed the new cycle racks at the rear of the centre. These racks are closer to the building so are covered by clearer CCTV and also in the event of an incident we can react quicker. Also they are the only cycle racks on the market that are certified as “secured by design” and are endorsed by the police.”

The Streetpods is in keeping with St Stephen’s commitment to the local environment as the cycle racks are made from 100% recycled material. Their unique design also prevents overcrowding and damage to bikes. The space saving design means that cycles can be stored in a prominent location, aiding security.

James Steward from Cyclepods Ltd says: “Our Streetpods provide extremely secure locking facilities compared to that of other bike parking. Their design means that locks cannot be manoeuvred to the ground, as with traditional bikes racks. A potential theft also faces 20mm solid bar rather than simple 3mm tube as with other stands.”

Inspector Ogden continues: “We advise people to buy at least one good quality lock for their bike, and to secure it to somewhere stable and in a well lit area. Take a photograph of it and register it on to www.immobilise.com, so that the police and second hand dealer officers can search the database if items are taken by thieves and potentially return any cycles to their rightful owners.

“Neighbourhood Policing Teams across the city can engrave anyone’s bicycles for free, and go to people’s houses if it’s difficult to get to a police station.”