BIKE owners across South Gloucestershire are being invited to put the brakes on cycle theft this Saturday.

The “bike marking” event, hosted by Avon and Somerset Police and Circadian Trust aims to show the public how marking a bike by applying either a tamper resistant QR Code label or uniquely coded UV etching to the frame of the bike is believed to reduce the chances of becoming a victim of cycle theft as the bike can be more easily traced if stolen.

Split into two sessions, the event will take place at the Willowbrook Centre from 11am to 1pm and Bradley Stoke Active Lifestyle Centre from 2pm to 4pm.

Police officers will be on-hand throughout the session to provide the public with bike safety leaflets and further information relating to bike security.

Mark Crutchley, chief executive of Circadian Trust, which manages and operates the Active Lifestyle Centres in partnership with South Gloucestershire Council, said: “As the number of incidents involving bike thefts continues to rise across the region, we felt it was important to help bike owners to protect their property.

“As a not-for-profit organisation that’s heavily invested in the local community, it’s important to do our bit in the fight against crime.”

Rob Candlin, centre manager at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre, said: “We advise bike owners to take good caution when leaving their bike unattended, ensuring that they use bike marking kits and a good quality lock.

“The centre follows best practice guidelines by regularly upgrading our security measures and providing customers with two well-lit bicycle racks, which are monitored by high definition CCTV cameras. However, everywhere is different - so we’d definitely encourage the public to take every measure possible when protecting their bike.

“Should anyone spot what they believe to be suspicious activity, we urge them to report it immediately so that it can be investigated.”

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said: “There are many ways in which bike owners can protect their property from theft. While we’d recommend measures such as recording key details, taking photos and using locks of gold “sold secure” standard, getting a bike marked and registered can be particularly effective as it’s a visible deterrent to thieves.

“We hope bike owners will take full advantage of events such as these and best prepare themselves to combat bike-crime.”

To register your bike, visit www.immobilise.co.uk and for more information regarding bike security and safety, visit www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/advice/crime-prevention-advice/staying-safe-on-the-road/keeping-your-bike-secure.