DOZENS of cyclists got their expensive bikes fitted with security tags in the Borders last week.

Glentress played host to a bike security event on August 29 and 30, when community police officers teamed up with Veloeye, a bike security company, to fit hi-tech tags.

PC Nick Walker said: "Peebles is a real target for bike thieves due to the numbers of high-value mountain bikes in the area."

Police say a total of 140 high-value bikes were fitted with tamper-resistant tags bearing QR codes.

The codes link up to an app which provides cyclists with updates if their bike is stolen. Details of the bike can also be shared with bike shops and clubs.

The Glentress event also displayed a selection of "high-security" bike chains and locks.

Peeblesshire News:

Sharing advice for bike owners, Mr Walker said: "Over 500,000 bikes are stolen in the UK each year, with more than half being taken from the owner’s property.

"We would advise bike owners to take all three of the following steps to help prevent becoming victims of bike theft:

  • Security mark your bike e.g. with Veoloeye, or Bike Register systems;
  • When stored or left unattended, always secure your bike with high quality chains/locks connected to a fixed object e.g. a ground or wall anchor;
  • Fit an alarm in the shed/garage where the bike is stored. This is very important, as locally, most thefts from property have occurred where there is no alarm.

Mr Walker added: “We strongly recommend not publicising your bikes on social media and making use of privacy zones on Strava and similar apps.

"These events at Glentress were a great success and have hopefully raised awareness of bike security. Our thanks go to the Glentress Peel Café for hosting the event."

More advice can be found on the Police Scotland website.