'High value' bikes and e-bikes stolen from Portsmouth theft 'hotspots' as arrests made and property recovered

Expensive bikes and e-bikes are being stolen at an alarming rate in theft “hotspots” - with arrests being made and criminals conspiring to find targets.

Officers have made two arrests and have been conducting patrols at various sites over the past week. Dedicated days of action by the Buckland and Nelson Neighbourhood Policing Team took place between August 6 and 8.

A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary spokesperson said these “hotspots” for incidents, such as thefts from motor vehicles and bikes being stolen, include car parks in Gunwharf Road, Kingston Crescent, Eastney and Clarence Esplanades, Commercial Road and the International ferry port. They added that “high value bikes and e-bikes” - specifically holidaying vehicles - are particularly vulnerable.

Arrests made

High visibility patrols began on August 6, with 16 members of the public having their bicycles security marked. This increases the chances of them being recovered. Officers conducted plain-clothed patrols the following day, August 7, and made an arrest.

One man was stopped and searched before being detained on suspicion of going equipped to steal and possession of cannabis. A second man ran away from police when he was spotted. Officers found a stash of cannabis which had been thrown way beneath a parked vehicle. “Enquiries remain ongoing and he will be dealt with in due course,” a Portsmouth Police social media statement said.

The force said another arrest was made on the following day, with thieves possibly conspiring to find and steal specific bicycles. “A 17-year-old male from Buckland was arrested on suspicion of conspiring with others to commit theft from motor vehicles, specifically targeting high-value bicycles and e-bikes,” Portsmouth Police said. “He has since been released on bail with strict conditions while officers continue their enquiries.

“As part of these operations, officers have recovered three bicycles from various locations across the city. We are currently working to identify and reunite them with their rightful owners.”

A police spokesperson added: “The bikes were recovered from Buckland, The Hard and the Isle of Wight Ferry port. We have conducted research to identify stolen property but have been unable to locate any matching stolen reports.”

One of these pedal cycles is a black and green Giant Talon mountain bike (medium frame), which was recovered by police from the Buckland area. A matte blue Cube bicycle, previously reported stolen, has also been acquired and police are making arrangements to return it to its rightful owner.

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“If you believe the Giant Talon belongs to you, please get in touch and be prepared to provide proof of ownership, such as photographs, purchase details, serial/frame number, or other identifying features,” the force said. “Bicycle theft remains a problem across the city, particularly where high-value bikes and e-bikes are left unsecured or stored in vehicles.”

Anyone who has had their bike stolen and had yet to report it is encouraged to do so by calling 101, or through submitting a report via the police website. Bicycles can be registered for free via the BikeRegister website, which uses a national database to help recover stolen property.

Theft prevention advice

• Record your bike's frame number and keep it somewhere safe. This unique identifier is often crucial in proving ownership and helping police return recovered bikes to their owners.
• Register your bike for free on Bike Register. Registration significantly improves the chances of a recovered bicycle being reunited with its owner.
• Use a quality Sold Secure-rated lock and secure the frame and wheels to an immovable object.
• Avoid leaving bikes on display inside vehicles. If transportation is necessary, ensure they are concealed from view where possible.
• Take clear photographs of your bike and note any distinguishing features or modifications.
• Report any suspicious behaviour around parked vehicles, bike racks, or storage areas.