The events are designed to prevent bicycles from being stolen and to inform residents how they can avoid becoming a victim of cycle theft. The drive comes as the successful push to encourage cycling in Aylesbury Vale continues.

Free property marking has been offered to residents at events held around the Vale throughout August. Residents still have time to make use of this free service at the following events:

·Friday August 24, Alfred Rose Park, 4pm to 5.30pm
·Wednesday August 29, Stoke Mandeville Stadium, 11am to 3pm
·Thursday August 30, Bucks County Show, Weedon Road, 8.30am to 5.30pm
·Saturday September 1, Parklife, Vale Park, 10.30am to 4pm.

At each event there is an opportunity to speak to trained officers from AVDC and the Police about cycling, cycle security and a range of additional safety advice from property marking to home security.

The Aylesbury Vale Community Safety Partnership has also teamed up with Cycle Aylesbury to offer residents a chance to win a number of prizes including; a brand new bike, high security lock and a puncture repair kit.

AVDC Councillor Pam Pearce, Cabinet Member for Community Matters commented "There were 160 cycle thefts in the Vale last year and with an increase in cycle use we want to ensure that those riding bikes are using robust locks and have marked their bike with a property label. Measures like this will help prevent thefts and allow stolen bicycles, that have been recovered by the police, to be returned to their owner."

Thames Valley Police Crime Reduction advisor, David Price said: "Ensure your bikes are kept safely locked up when they are not being used. Registering your bike will ensure that if you're unfortunate to have it stolen, it can be returned to you if it's found."

There are 4 key messages to bicycle owners:

·Security mark your bicycle. You can ask for this to be done by the local Police Community Support Officer
·Register your bicycle on www.immobilise.com a free database to record your property and ensure your details are safely stored.
·Whether at home or out and about, make sure you secure your bike to an immovable object. Fifty per cent of bicycle thefts occur at home so lock you bike as securely there as you would when away.
·Avoid parking in quiet and secluded areas. Try to park where there are plenty of people, a thief would be less tempted to steal a bike if there were a number of people around who may notice and report suspicious activity.