Sabotaged rack taken by Sarah King

Cyclists are being urged to be extra vigilant when securing their bikes to racks in Camberwell, following the unusual theft of a bicycle in the area.

Last Thursday, South Camberwell’s Labour Councillor, Sarah King took to Twitter to disclose that her bike had been stolen from a sabotaged bike rack using a never before seen method.

At the junction between Vicarage Road and Church Street, it is believed that thieves sliced through a bike rack and then sealed it with gaffer tape.

Upon returning to the bike rack, King said she was “shocked” to find that her bicycle had been taken.

The Metropolitan Police and Southwark Council have said that they are now working closely to find the culprits responsible.

Statistics reveal that 309 bicycles were stolen in Camberwell last year alone and according to TFL 20,000 bikes are reported stolen in London each year.

Stripped bicycles line Camberwell’s Church Street

An employee at Camberwell’s Cycle PS claimed, “bicycle theft is a problem all over London, not just Camberwell. It’s no bigger problem here than it is anywhere else.”

Following the uncommon theft of King’s bicycle, London’s cycling community are being urged by Cherry Allan, CTC’s Policy Officer, to take steps to further ensure the security of their bicycles by fitting efficient locks and removing valuable accessories.