GPS trackers available for Newark cyclists to improve community safety and reduce theft

Residents are being given another opportunity to claim free tracking devices for their bikes. In an effort to put the brakes on theft, high-quality GPS trackers, worth £100, are available for cyclists in Newark in an effort to prevent theft and improve community safety.

65 GPS trackers have been distributed as part of the Newark Safer Streets project so far. Feedback received has been extremely positive and showed that recipients felt safer leaving their bike unattended, especially whilst they are away or out at work.

The Safer Streets project is a partnership between the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Nottinghamshire Police, Newark and Sherwood District Council and Nottinghamshire County Council to improve security in areas particularly affected by acquisitive crimes such as burglary, vehicle theft and robbery. It includes a package of measures to deter crime and anti-social behaviour.

Trackers consist of a small, lightweight accessory and is linked to a smartphone app and the owner is able to trace the bike – even using it to alert the police to where the bike is being kept.

The eligibility criteria for trackers is as follows: 

• Recipients do not necessarily need to live in Newark but should regularly travel into and around Newark by bicycle (under normal, non-COVID circumstances). Alternatively, recipients should live within the Chatham Court area or Northgate area (including Tithe Barn Court, Queens Court and Lovers Lane).
• Bikes should have cost at least £250 when purchased.
• Bikes should have been purchased within the last three years.
• Owners will need access to a smart phone to track the device. Extra weight will be given to those who have been a victim of cycle theft. 

Councillor David Lloyd, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “It is so encouraging to see the Safer Streets security measures, in particular GPS trackers, working effectively at making our residents feel safer in their community. As we have said before, we are committed to making Newark a safer place to live, work and visit, and these trackers are just one aspect of a wider initiative to do just that.

“I hope hearing positive feedback from residents that have already claimed their trackers motivates anyone else eligible to take this opportunity, as we all know that bike theft can be devastating for cyclists, who spend not just money but a lot of time and care on their bikes.”  

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry said: “We take the safety of local people very seriously and will do whatever it takes to reduce their risk of crime.  

“Bike theft is a distressing crime that causes owners considerable inconvenience, especially if they rely on their cycle for commuting to work. These fantastic devices not only help police to detect criminals but enable victims to be reunited with their property much more swiftly.”  

Inspector Charlotte Allardice, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Initiatives like bike trackers are a great way for the people and cyclists of Newark to feeler safer when it comes to leaving their bikes unattended.

“The device is only small but is a great tool to have attached to your bike if someone is using their bike in town and to help deter your bike from being stolen.

“We understand as a force that bike theft can have a devastating impact on people not only emotionally but financially too and therefore, safety measures like these are vital.

“Alongside our partners we are committed to making Newark a safer place to live and to help deter criminal behaviour by promoting and using initiatives such as the trackers.”

Nottinghamshire County Councillor John Cottee, Chairman of the Communities Committee, said: “This is yet another great example of the partnership work being done to help residents, commuters and students feel safer in Newark.

“These free tracking devices aim to encourage more people to ride their bikes in and around the town, as these devices help give peace of mind when storing bikes in public places.”

To apply, residents should contact the Safer Streets Team at Newark and Sherwood District Council by emailing community.safety@nsdc.info who will inform them if they have been successful.

Newark Cycles and Tallis Autostores have supported the project to date to ensure all the GPS trackers are fitted correctly and are correctly working on resident’s bikes.