Camden Town Cycle Theft- what can we do about bike thieves?

We all know that people in Camden Town love cycling you only have to view the high street to notice that about a fifth of it is taken up by bikes- but we're also pretty sure that Camden Town DOES NOT like bike theft- and there's a lot of this going on in our area.

Walking through Camden Town today is was struck by the fact that out of every ten bikes that were chained up to lamp posts, at least one of them were missing a saddle or a wheel. It felt particularly pertinent when one such bike was located opposite a bicycle shop- what better way for you to restock once your bike has been assaulted.

Why there is so much bike theft in Camden Town and what can we do about it?

Camden Government suggest the following;

•do not leave cycles in isolated places

•make sure you secure bikes to proper cycle stands or robust street furniture (but do observe any requests not to use certain items of street furniture and be sure not to cause any damage)

•lock cycles through the frame, and secure or remove wheels. Also remove smaller parts and accessories that can't be secured, especially lights, pumps and quick release saddles

•make the lock hard to manoeuvre when parked.

•do not allow thieves to place your lock(s) in contact with the ground.

•park cycles safely and considerately where they will not cause a danger or obstruction to others, particularly to older people, young children or people with disabilities. And always lock a cycle when leaving it, even if it's only for a few minutes.

This sounds great in concept, but the bike I was looking at was on the high street, in broad daylight with a big lock on it. It really doesn't feel like Camden council are doing much to help us. They also suggested you register your bike with Immobilise so if its ever stolen you *may* be traced and get it back, but I think the likelihood of this is very very low.

The Police Map of crime shows Camden as being a very high area of 'Other theft' which encapsulates bicycle theft (only beaten by antic social behaviour) which means they are is not getting any better.

I think secure bike garages in the area would be a great idea, and people would be willing to pay a small fee to cover their bikes being held there. Voila, we have solved the funding problem, saved out bikes and helped the borough repair all those potholes. Anyone with me?