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9 Jul 2025

A recent BBC Breakfast segment has sparked backlash from the cycling community over its portrayal of e-bikes, with critics accusing the broadcaster of conflating legal e-bikes with illegal,...

8 Jul 2025

More than 30 locations across Scotland have seen a major rise in the number of people cycling, according to newly released data.

7 Jul 2025

Sixteen illegally upgraded e-bikes capable of speeds up to 40mph have been seized and disposed of in a joint enforcement operation in Birmingham city centre.

7 Jul 2025

Bristol-based Cytech training provider and ACT member Life Cycle has launched its award-winning Bikes Beyond Bars programme at HMP Bullingdon, expanding a project that has already impacted lives...

4 Jul 2025

New data from Strava reveals a major surge in cycling across the UK, with Gen Z and Millennials leading the charge.

3 Jul 2025

Shimano has launched an urgent investigation into what it describes as a “critical” shortage of skilled bike mechanics across Europe, warning that the situation threatens to...

2 Jul 2025

MPs have called on Amazon and eBay to tighten controls after e-bikes and chargers flagged as serious fire risks were found for sale on their platforms.

25 Jun 2025

The E-Bike Positive campaign has seen major success in the first half of 2025, with its message reaching nearly 8 million people across the UK through high-profile media coverage and growing...

20 Jun 2025

The House of Commons Business and Trade Committee has asked the ACT, and its parent company Bira, to help them reach out to small business retailers across the country, for their quick input on...

20 Jun 2025

Activate Cycle Academy has reopened its Cytech training facility in Darlington, offering a full range of courses from Home Mechanic up to Cytech Technical Three.
 

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Bike theft in the UK effectively 'decriminalised' after more than 365,000 cases go unsolved over the past five years, claims the Lib Dems claim.

Posted on in Business News , Cycles News

Bike theft in the UK has effectively been 'decriminalised' as more than 365,000 cases went unsolved in the last five years, the Liberal Democrats have claimed.

theft

Official Home Office data showed an average of 200 bicycle thefts a day took place in which no culprit was apprehended, the party said.

The 365,706 unsolved crimes since 2019 amounted to 89 per cent of all bike thefts over the period. Only two per cent of cases – 8,437 incidents - led to a suspect being charged.

The party's home affairs spokesman Alistair Carmichael MP said: 'These shocking figures will leave people wondering if bike theft has been decriminalised.

'Whether it's used for commuting, family days out or exercise, people's bikes are a hugely valued possession.

'So bike thefts leave victims feeling both out of pocket and distressed, and knowing the thief will probably get away with it just adds salt into the wound.'

He added: 'Years of neglect under this Conservative government have emboldened criminals and left frontline police officers without the resources they need to investigate crimes like bike theft properly.

'The government needs to restore community policing where police are visible in their neighbourhoods and can focus on solving local crimes.'

Police minister Chris Philp responded: 'The Liberal Democrats could never be trusted to cut crime or keep communities safe.

'They want to strip our police officers of vital powers and voted against tougher sentences for the worst offenders.

'The Conservatives have cut the number of theft offences by 47 per cent since 2010 including bicycle theft by 54 per cent, reduced violent crime by 52 per cent, and put a record number of police officers on our streets to keep our communities safe.”

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