Crimestoppers have launched a new campaign in London to encourage more people to speak up about cycle crime.

The independent crime-fighting charity is urging members of the public to give information about anyone involved in the theft of bicycles as well as the handling of stolen bikes and parts, after there were 17,367 reported bicycles stolen in the capital last year.

The charity is offering a reward of up to £1,000 for any information they receive, which leads to the arrest and charge of those responsible for the crime.

The campaign, which is being supported by the Metropolitan Police Service’s Roads and Transport Policing Command and was launched on Tuesday (April 14), has been welcomed by cycle theft victims – including Patrick Woodward, who found his stolen bike for sale online.

The 24-year-old, from Ealing Broadway, said: “My bike had been locked up opposite Ealing Broadway station when it was stolen in November last year.

“It’s a fixed-gear freestyle model, which isn’t very common, so I guess the thieves liked the look of it. They cut straight through my cable lock, which was quite thin."

Mr Woodward reported the theft to the police and also posted a message about the theft on eBay as well as stolenbikes.co.uk.

A few months after the incident, he was contacted by the police, who said they had found the bike for sale on classifieds website Gumtree.

He said: “With their help I was able to recover my bike. A few others that had been stolen were also found. The police were able to convict two individuals as a result.”

He added: “I would advise any bike owner to invest in a D-lock or chain lock. Try and ensure you lock your bike through both the rear wheel and the frame.

“I would also recommend getting your bike security tagged and always lock it up within view of CCTV because this often helps the police if it is stolen.”

Regan Hook, Crimestoppers’ regional manager for London, said: “Cycling has certainly increased in popularity in the past few years and there is a need to improve bicycle security.

“We would urge anyone who has information about those involved in stealing bikes or handling stolen bikes and bike parts to share it with us anonymously."

If you have any information then please contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.