Bristol is often cited as one of the UK's--and Europe's--most "green" and "liveable" cities. Given that a relatively large portion of the city's residents are young and environmentally consciousness, it's not surprising that many bicycles are ridden--and parked--on the streets.
The large number of bikes also means that Bristol has a problem that plagues other places like it. You have probably guessed, by now, what it is. Yes, bike theft. As Louis Emanuel wrote in a Bristol 24/7 article: "If you live in Bristol it's likely you have had your bike stolen or know someone who has." At the time he wrote that article--in July 2015--police were conducting raids that targeted bike-theft gangs.
While those constabulary operations may have reduced, if only slightly, the number of bikes that are "nicked", they have not, by any means, solved the problem. And it seems that thieves are as brazen as ever.
How bold are they? Here's one who cut through the lock in broad daylight yesterday--Easter Sunday:
The bike belonged to a 13-year-old boy who'd gone to FOPP, a shop that sells books, films and music, in the center of town.
After filming, someone confronted the thief, asking him where he got the bike. "Don't worry about me, mate, worry about yourself!" he said.
The large number of bikes also means that Bristol has a problem that plagues other places like it. You have probably guessed, by now, what it is. Yes, bike theft. As Louis Emanuel wrote in a Bristol 24/7 article: "If you live in Bristol it's likely you have had your bike stolen or know someone who has." At the time he wrote that article--in July 2015--police were conducting raids that targeted bike-theft gangs.
While those constabulary operations may have reduced, if only slightly, the number of bikes that are "nicked", they have not, by any means, solved the problem. And it seems that thieves are as brazen as ever.
How bold are they? Here's one who cut through the lock in broad daylight yesterday--Easter Sunday:
The bike belonged to a 13-year-old boy who'd gone to FOPP, a shop that sells books, films and music, in the center of town.
After filming, someone confronted the thief, asking him where he got the bike. "Don't worry about me, mate, worry about yourself!" he said.
