Officers from the Neighbourhood Support Team were at the popular canal-side attraction, helping cyclists register their bikes on the BikeRegister database.

A neighbourhood policing officer prepares bike-registration materials beside the Bingley Five Rise Locks information board. (Image: West Yorkshire Police)

Bingley Belles among those taking part

Members of the Bingley Belles cycling group attended the event and had their bikes marked and registered.

West Yorkshire Police said the initiative aims to help deter theft and increase the chances of stolen bikes being reunited with their owners.

Visitors also get bikes registered

The free service was not limited to cycling groups, with other residents and visitors enjoying the canal towpath also taking part.

Police said a number of people stopped to have their bicycles marked while passing through the area.

A cyclist has their bike marked and registered during a West Yorkshire Police bike-security event at Bingley Five Rise Locks. (Image: West Yorkshire Police)

Edinburgh-to-Italy cyclists stop by

Among those making use of the service were two cyclists undertaking a long-distance journey from Edinburgh to Italy.

The pair stopped at Five Rise Locks on the fourth day of their trip and took the opportunity to have their bikes registered before continuing their journey.

More events planned

West Yorkshire Police said future bike-marking events will be advertised through the BikeRegister website and Community Alert channels.

BikeRegister is a national bicycle database used by police forces across the UK to help identify and recover stolen bikes.

FULL statement from police

A spokesperson said: “Officers from the Neighbourhood Support Team were at 5 Rise Locks in Bingley today doing a bike marking event for members of the Bingley Belles. The female cycling group had their bikes marked and registered onto the Bike Register database.

“Residents and visitors enjoying the canal tow path also took advantage of the FREE service.

“We even has 2 guys cycling from Edinburgh to Italy stop by on day 4 of their journey to get their bikes marked too.

“Future events will be advertised on the Bike Register website or via community alert. https://www.bikeregister.com/”