NEW figures have revealed that only around ten per cent of bikes stolen from across Argyll & West Dunbartonshire have been returned to their owners in the last three years.

The figures, obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by the Liberal Democrats, show that 180 bikes have been nicked in the region since 2020.

How many bike thefts were reported?

  • 2020: 84
  • 2021: 55
  • 2022: 41

Total: 180

Of that total, only 20 have been recovered giving the region a detection rate of just 11.1 per cent.

How many bikes were detected?

  • 2020: Seven (8.3 per cent)
  • 2021: Seven (12.7 per cent)
  • 2022: Six (14.6 per cent)

Total: 20 (11.1 per cent)

Across Scotland, nearly 14,000 (13,959) bike thefts were recorded over the past three years with just 1,513 of those recovered – a national detection rate of 10.8 per cent.

Despite the number of reported thefts in Argyll & West Dunbartonshire decreasing year-on-year concerns have been raised over the low number of bikes that are returned to their owners.

Liam McArthur MSP, who is the Scottish Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson, slammed the figures and said he feels ‘criminals are being given a free ride’.

Mr McArthur said: “It looks like criminals are getting a free ride under the SNP and Greens.  

“Bike theft is disruptive and distressing for victims, and the vanishing chance of ever seeing the thief caught or punished simply makes that worse.

"It’s not surprising given how overstretched and underfunded the police are under the SNP.

“Figures like these will see some people pause for thought before making journeys by bike, and that’s bad news at a time when we should be doing all we can to support active travel.  

“Scottish Liberal Democrats are calling on the government to invest in secure cycle storage, to encourage people to register their bikes with the national cycle database, and to give the police the resources they need to do the job.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Recorded crime is at the lowest level seen since 1974, and down 42% since 2006-07 but of course, we understand it is upsetting for anyone to be a victim of theft.

"Police Scotland are committed to thoroughly investigating any and all reported crimes and bike thefts are no exception.

“Despite UK Government austerity, and in recognition of the crucial role Police Scotland officers and staff play keeping our communities safe, the service is receiving additional resource funding of £80 million in 2023-24, a 6.3% increase compared to 2022-23.”