Winchester and Chandler’s Ford’s MP is backing new measures to reduce bicycle thefts at Winchester Railway Station, particularly at the bike hub which Steve opened in 2016.
The £400,000 facility which holds up 100 spaces for commuter’s bikes has recently been hit by a spate of thefts. The British Transport Police have confirmed that, this year, 27 crimes recorded on the station and 23 investigations have been completed, with four ongoing. Many of these relate to bicycle theft.
South Western Railway (SWR) have, in discussion with the MP, councillors, local campaign groups, Hampshire Police and the British Transport police (BTP), announced a new approach to identify bike thieves, prevent further thefts and help customers keep their cycles safe.
The SWR Crime and Security Team and the BTP will be visiting the station to further review both short and long term options.
Included in these measures are plans to install an AI security camera which can identify vulnerable areas that could be ‘crime hotspots’. SWR are in the process of relocating some cycle stands from elsewhere near the station to out the front, and moving the temporary fencing around the forecourt trees to allow access to the cycle stands here. Longer-term measures could include a joint operation between SWR and the BTP at this location.
The rail company has also announced their intention to run a programme of cycle surgeries, which are being promoted at stations and on social media channels. In these surgeries, our Rail Community Officers and Hampshire Police’s Community Support Officers advise customers on how best to secure their cycles at our stations, including advice on the best locks to buy.
Finally, more marking kits will be funded by SWR, provided by the BTP, that allow customers to apply a security marking to their cycles. Cycle marking is a highly effective, visible deterrent that means owners of stolen cycles can be traced. The local Three Rivers Community Rail Partnership hosted a Dr Bike session recently, where these kits were available for customers to buy at the same time as having their bike checked over.
Steve Brine MP said : “I strongly welcome the approach by South Western Railway, Hampshire Police and the British Transport Police. It is clear they are taking my constituents concerns seriously and are working to find a successful solution to this unacceptable rise in bike thefts.
Passengers at Winchester station must be able to store their bikes securely and safely with peace of mind that their property will still be there on their return. I am meeting with the Managing Director of SWR in the coming weeks and will continue this discussion.”
