Bicycle owners in the borough will have another opportunity to have their cycles marked, registered and pick up a free bike lock at drop in partnership event, co-ordinated by the council, later this month.

Following the success of last year’s event, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s bicycle security event will return on Monday 30 March between 2pm and 6pm in the area between Central Car Park and Festival Place in Basingstoke town centre.

Organised in partnership with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary and Basingstoke Neighbourhood Watch, the event aims to reduce the risk of bicycle theft in the borough.

Police officers will add security marks to bicycles and register them on a national database which will make them easier to find if they are stolen. The council’s community safety patrol officers will be handing out free bike locks, while stocks last.

The council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Partnerships and Inclusion Cllr John McKay said: “We’re really pleased to run this event again after last year’s great turnout. With more people choosing active and sustainable ways to travel around the borough, we want to offer practical support to help keep bikes safe and improve the chances of recovery if they’re stolen. Cyclists can drop by anytime between 2pm and 6pm to get their bikes marked and registered and pick up a free bike lock while they are there.”

Under 18s should be accompanied by an adult. Find out more about the bicycle database, including details of this event by visiting https://www.bikeregister.com/events