Police in Belgium are loaning bikes to cycle theft victims

Police in Belgium are lending bicycles to victims of bike theft to enable them to get back in the saddle as soon as possible.

BBC News, citing a video report from Belgian broadcaster Focus-WTV, says that police in Veurne, West Flanders, are running the initiative for people who live there and in neighbouring Alveringem and Lo-Reninge.

The 10-strong fleet of loan bikes provided by the Spoorkin police zone comprises recovered bicycles for which no lawful owner has come forward.

People whose bikes have been stolen can borrow one from the police, free of charge, for up to a week.

Some 75 bicycles are reported stolen in the area concerned each year, although the number of thefts is believed to be higher.

The railway station in Veurne is a particular target for bike thieves, and there are plans to move the bike parking there, with the new installation also benefiting from CCTV.