Hackney Council and Hackney Police will be holding two free bike micro-chipping sessions this March, as part of their campaign to reduce cycle crime and reunite more stolen bikes with their owners.

Hackney has a large and enthusiastic cycling community and, according to TfL figures, bicycles are the main form of transport in 5% of all journeys that originate in the borough – the highest level in London. However, 1509 pedal cycles were stolen in Hackney in 2010, with only a small percentage being reunited with their lawful owners.

When a micro-chipped and registered bicycle is stolen and recovered by police, the police can use the data contained within the chip to identify the owner, and return the bicycle.

The project has visited over 19 locations throughout the borough, and the next two events will be taking place at the Warburton Estate, London Fields, E8, on Saturday 12 March from 11am-2pm; and at the corner of Regents Row and Goldsmith’s Row on Saturday 26 March, from 12-4pm.

Councillor Sophie Linden, Cabinet Member for Crime, Sustainability and Customer Services says: “This project has been extremely successful, with well over a thousand Hackney cycles being chipped. If you have a bike and it hasn’t been chipped please do come along to one of these sessions, and help us stamp out cycle crime.”

Chief Inspector Jane Easton at Hackney Police adds: "Criminals should think twice about stealing a bike in Hackney; many are now fitted with microchips which means police can verify ownership details."

For more information, contact the Council s Community Safety Team on 020 8356 3170, or email safercommunities@hackney.gov.uk.