Met Police team to tackle bike thefts in London

A new police team specifically intended to target the problem of bike theft in London has been launched.

The 30-strong task force will patrol by pedal power, investigating incidents of stolen or vandalised bikes.

It will also mark bikes with peoples' home address and teach cyclists how to lock their bike securely.

Kulveer Ranger, the Mayor of London's transport advisor, said greater cycle security was the prerequisite to London's "cycle revolution".

Mr Ranger said: "We want this new cycle squad to reassure everyone who cycles in the capital of our focus on making London as safe and secure as possible, and the best big cycling city in the world."

Commander Mark Gore said: "With the introduction of our dedicated force we will robustly tackle cycle theft and improve cycle security across the capital."

In 2009 there was a sharp rise in bike theft across London.