PCs Robert Johnston, Allan Robinson and Lee Honey with the rescued bikes. Photo: EastLondonLines

A number of bikes were recovered by the new Police Cycle Task Force today in Redchurch Street, after being found on a derelict site.

The police were unable to say whether they were stolen and are waiting to see if they can identify the owners to clarify the situation.

The three policemen sent out to investigate the discarded bikes form part of the new Cycle Task Force, which hit the streets of London on 7 June 2010.

PC Robert Johnston, who is a member of the new team, said: “We are the bike experts. We have come down to identify bikes. We look at frame numbers […] and security markings with the aim of identifying the owners and the victims of crime, to help us prosecute thieves.”

Police recovered a number of abandoned bicycles from this site in Redchurch Street. Photo: Benjamin Hoyte.

All bicycles have an individual frame number which identifies them. The police are urging cyclists to make a note of their frame number so that if their bike is stolen, they have a reference to give the police.

Frame numbers are recorded in a police database which helps the Cycle Task Force return stolen goods to their owners.

PC Johnston urged people to register bikes and other valuable items online at immobilise.com, which is a free online register service. This is checked regularly by UK police forces as well as recovery agencies and lost property offices.