Police have issued a new date for a bike safety event which did not go ahead as previously advertised yesterday.

Cyclists were told they could get their bikes marked and have a free bike check at the event at Barrack Corner in Norwich Road from 4pm to 6pm.

Police announced the event two weeks ago but no-one from the force turned up due to a “mix-up” in issuing the wrong date for hte event.

A Suffolk Constabulary spokesman apologised and said that the crime reduction and safety awareness event will take place at the same location from 4pm to 6pm tomorrow (Wednesday, October 14).

At the event, bike owners will have the opportunity to get their bike marked, registered on to the Immobilise Property Register, receive a free reflective band and have a free cycle check carried out by the Suffolk County Council Cycle Safety Team.

There are also a limited number of free LED mini cycle lights to be given away, while members of the safer neighbourhood team will be on hand to offer advice about cycle safety and the law.

A force spokesman added: “To tackle the issue of bike thefts in Ipswich, active surveillance is being carried out by police and the Ipswich Borough Council CCTV team to identify offenders and monitor hot spots locations.

“Officers have also been working with bike shops to encourage those who purchase a new bike to mark and register it.”

Other bike theft reduction advice includes:

- Always lock your bike with a good quality lock, preferably a D lock. Look for one that has the Sold Secure label on it or check www.securedbydesign.com for cycle security items.

- Never leave your bicycle insecure in your garden and secure it when in the shed or garage. Consider using a Shed Shackle or ground anchor to lock your bike to.

- Lock your bike to an immoveable object. Drain pipes can be removed and bikes lifted off signposts. Use bike racks in busy, well lit areas where possible.

- Lock your bike through the frame and secure any removable parts.

- Make the lock and chain hard to move when parked - keep the lock away from the ground and keep the gap between the lock and the bike small. With a D lock fill as much of the D as possible by securing it via the frame and wheel and/or to several secure points.

- If you have an especially valuable bicycle, do not always leave it in the same place. Consider having it insured.

- Mark your bike and add a label to indicate that it has been marked. Register your bike on www.immobilise.com.