Officers using bait bikes to catch Portsmouth cycle thieves amid 'spike' in thefts

Hampshire Constabulary have reported a ‘spike’ of cycle thefts in the south of the city – Southsea.

Officers are using planted pedal cycles to try and catch criminals in the act.

A Portsmouth police statement said: ‘In response to a spike in bike thefts across the south of the city - Central Southsea and St Jude's Beat have completed the first of a planned series of operations involving bait bike.

‘Bikes have been placed in various theft hotspots around the city alongside officers. The premise being that would-be thieves are caught red-handed.’

A number of prominent incidents have taken place in recent months.

David Hall, 65, of Bedhampton, was left ‘gutted’ when his £2,500 ebike was stolen from a secure car park while watching Portsmouth FC, with criminals suspected of using bolt cutters.

He said bike theft was a ‘pandemic’ that happens every day.

Hampshire police are confident the new tactic will lead to few incidents.

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A spokesman said: ‘We have seen a small increase in theft of pedal cycles, and officers have been working to identify hotspot areas and tackle those involved as a priority.

‘This tactic has recently been introduced and forms part of our work to tackle bicycle theft.

‘While it is not a high harm crime by definition, Portsmouth is a busy and thriving city with lots of people using bicycles to travel around.

‘This type of crime therefore has the potential to affect a large quantity of people, and has an impact on the daily lives of those living and working in the city.’