A POLICE operation to cut bike thefts has reached an important landmark.

Durham Police launched Operation Spoke in December following a growing number of cycle thefts, with local neighbourhood policing teams across the force area helping owners security mark their bikes.

Officers from Consett Neighbourhood Policing Team have been especially busy, hosting marking events within every ward area including many at local schools.

Last week, at an event in Shotley Bridge, they helped their 1000th ‘customer’, local resident Megan Charlton.

As well as having her bike security marked, she won a free hamper of goodies including two free tickets to a Sunderland football match at the Stadium of Light, a 12-month free subscription to Mountain Biking UK magazine and other prizes donated by Tesco Extra and retailer Bits4Bikes.

PCSO Lisa Jackson said: “We would like to encourage everyone to take this opportunity to have their bicycles and scooters security marked free of charge.

“It is a real theft deterrent as well as increasing the chances of having your bicycle returned to you if it happens to be lost or stolen.

“The Neighbourhood Policing Team are hosting events across the area all year round and would encourage people to contact us on 101 if you would like your bicycle or scooter security marked.”