WECH auction off hundreds of stolen cycles

Published: 4 June 2010
by JAMIE WELHAM

HUNDREDS of stolen bikes are recovered by police every day in London. 

And for every bike returned to its owner, dozens remain unclaimed – posing a problem for police who need the space for other seizures.

Now, a novel solution has come along in the shape of a community bike auction in Harrow Road.

This Saturday, members of the Walterton and Elgin housing association (WECH) will auction off around 35 bikes donated by officers at Paddington Green police station to raise money for their summer fair.

Liz Thorpe-Tracey, a member of the Harrow Road Neighbourhood Partnership, said: “Some of them are really very nice bikes and they will go at rock bottom prices. Either the owners couldn’t be found or they have already claimed on insurance. So rather than go to waste we put them to use in the community.”

A Met police spokeswoman said officers would be on hand with property-marking equipment.

The auction will be at the WECH Community Centre in Chantry Close off Elgin Avenue, with viewings starting at midday.