Neighbourhood officers reduce bicycle thefts by 40 per cent in Broxtowe

Bicycle thefts in Broxtowe have almost halved as Nottinghamshire Police continue a comprehensive approach to tackle offending in communities.

Neighbourhood officers’ effective problem-solving policing has contributed to a prolonged reduction in bicycle thefts, with reports falling by 40 per cent.

This includes conducting proactive patrols, utilising new CCTV cameras, targeting prolific thieves, and hosting bike security events to drive down offending.

A total of 137 bicycle thefts were reported in Broxtowe in the 12 months to March 2024.

The work of neighbourhood officers has resulted in 65 fewer offences by July 2025, which fell to 72.

One prolific offender who was linked to a series of garage and shed break-ins was jailed, which has helped contribute to the reduction in bike thefts.

The 26-year-old was charged with burglary after two homes were broken into in Long Eaton.

He was jailed for 16 months when he appeared at Nottingham Crown Court in March 2024.

Another man was caught handling stolen goods after a stolen bicycle was tracked to a garage in Stapleford.

Officers following a tracking device concealed on the bicycle discovered 11 other bikes stored at the garage, which were linked to burglaries in Beeston and Bramcote.

The bikes were seized, and the 36-year-old man admitted buying the cheap bicycles to refurbish and resell, while believing that they might be stolen.

He received a conditional caution as part of an out-of-court disposal and was required to complete an impact of crime rehabilitative programme, which enables a suspect to reflect on their behaviour and how their actions have affected other people.

Nottinghamshire Police also provides a free bike-marking service to residents to increase the security of bicycles and deter theft.

Neighbourhood officers have hosted several events this year at the Canalside Heritage Centre at Beeston Lock and the Nurseryman pub on Derby Road.

BikeRegister is the national cycle database used by all UK police forces to search for stolen bicycles and reunite them with their rightful owners.

Bicycles are marked for free with two tamper-proof stickers and the bike’s details are registered on the database. This acts as a deterrent for thieves as the bike is permanently marked, making it less desirable to steal and harder to sell on.

The installation of CCTV cameras across Beeston in September 2024 has also helped officers drive down crime and identify suspects.

New high-definition cameras have been strategically placed in locations throughout the town, including hotspot areas known for higher levels of antisocial behaviour and other criminality.

The cameras are equipped with advanced night vision and provide monitoring 24 hours a day, which helps officers respond swiftly and effectively to incidents.

The 13 locations include Beeston’s tram and bus interchange, Station Road, and Acacia Walk, with funding provided by Nottinghamshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner.

Sergeant Heather Harding, of Nottinghamshire Police’s Broxtowe neighbourhood policing team, said: “Residents and businesses in Broxtowe quite rightly expect action when they raise concerns with us.

“We want to make Nottinghamshire a safer place to live, work, and visit, by reducing offending, victims, and the demand on policing.

“You may not always see us, but officers conduct daily uniformed patrols to show a visible presence and deterrence, particularly around the High Road.

“We proactively engage with known offenders to deter crime and believe greater public awareness of bicycle security has helped contribute to this fall.

“Our approach to bicycle theft has been effective and is yielding positive results, with a 40 per cent reduction in offences.

“This is a significant decrease and is down to the hard work of neighbourhood officers and proactive work with our partners and the local authority.

“We will continue to tackle criminality and issues raised with us, so we would always encourage residents to contact us with their concerns.”