Tackling bike theft in Cambridge
Cambridge is known as the capital of cycling in the UK and has always had a strong association with bicycles with good provision for cycling and cyclists.
Bicycle crime is a recognised issue in Cambridge and by far the most prevalent single offence category in the city with cycle thefts being reported daily.
As well as the obvious inconvenience and upset caused by a theft, cycles are often the main form of transport to and from work, college or university for their owners.
Police in Cambridge are working closely with partners across the city to combat theft through cycle awareness days, bike marking with Immobilise, education, catching offenders and recovering stolen bikes with proactive patrols.
All cycle theft is recorded and assessed as to whether or not there is a proportionate line of enquiry to follow that may allow officers to solve the crime. All trends are reviewed and analysed to identify bike-theft hotspots.
We urge cyclists to ensure their bike is secured with at least one decent lock, as well as being marked and registered to increase the chance of it being returned if it is stolen.
Read more about further bike crime prevention advice
Criminal Behaviour Orders
Take a look at some of the bike thieves we’ve recently arrested, charged and put before the courts. They now have ongoing Criminal Behaviour Orders meaning they will be sent back to court if they breach their individual restrictions.
Any breaches are dealt with robustly and we urge anyone who sees one of these individuals doing so, to contact us.
September 2020
Derek Lundgreen, of Hills Road, Cambridge was sentenced to 28 weeks in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of bike theft, attempted bike theft and possession of cannabis at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court on Friday (4 September 2020).
Read the full story - Prison and CBO for bike thief
March 2021
A prolific Cambridge bike thief has been handed a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).
Kevin Champion, 45, of no fixed abode, was given the two-year CBO at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (3 March 2021).
Read the full story - CBO for prolific bike thief
June 2022
A Cambridge thief has been jailed thanks to a joint effort to combat crime in the city.
On Monday (20 June 2022), Stephen Neal was spotted by security staff breaching his Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) by entering Sainsbury’s on Sidney Street.
He was removed from the store and suspecting he was up to no good, security and CCTV observed him as he left and went into nearby Marks and Spencer on Market Hill.
A few minutes later Neal ran from M&S carrying eight steaks worth more than £120 but was quickly apprehended by the security member who had followed him.
Neal, 35, of Trafalgar Street, Cambridge, was arrested by police and at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court yesterday (21 June 2022) was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison after pleading guilty to theft and breach of a CBO.
Read the full story - Thief jailed thanks to joint effort to combat crime in the city
December 2021
A prolific bike thief has been handed a Criminal Behaviour Order.
Police spoke to Joshua Peck after CCTV operators spotted him trying bike locks in Market Hill, Cambridge, on 4 October. (2021)
Peck, 29, of Lapwings Close, Teversham, became abusive with officers who found cannabis in his pocket. While being transported in custody he spat inside the van.
Read the full story - Bike thief receives Criminal Behaviour Order
June 2022
A prolific cycle thief has been jailed for six months after being caught in the act by off duty police officers.
Joshua Collinson-Prime began his latest offending spree in Cambridge in May when he was captured on CCTV stealing two speakers worth more than £600 from John Lewis in St Andrew’s Street.
On 16 May he was again seen on CCTV to steal a locked bike parked at the Beehive Centre worth £1,200.
The 27-year-old was then spotted by off-duty officers on 19 June to break the lock of a Pinnacle mountain bike in Fitzroy Street. He was arrested a few days later.
At Cambridge Magistrates’ Court yesterday (28 June), Collinson Prime, of East Road, Cambridge, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft, two counts of bike theft and breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO). He was sentenced to six months (24 weeks) in prison. He must also pay £1,200 compensation to his first bike victim.
His CBO is in place until June 2024.
Read the full story - Prolific cycle thief jailed