yesterday.

Micro Track, a microchip identification system for motor bikes, was jointly introduced in November by Colonial Insurance, the Bermuda Police Service and Micro Track Systems.

Since then about 200 cycles have been fitted with it and none have been reported stolen, said a Police spokesman.

When people buy a bike they can ask to buy the $25 chip which is encoded with details including the owner's name and address, telephone numbers, an emergency contact number, the bike's engine and frame number, licence number and date of ownership.

It is hidden in the bike by Micro Track and can be detected by a hand-held device which transmits a number back to a central Police computer storing the information.

Cycle thefts have fallen dramatically since 1994 when between six and eight cycles were stolen on average per day.

So far this year, only two and a half cycles are being stolen per day on average.

Installation appointments are available through calling 295-4881.

And new cycles sold from World Distributors and Wheels Ltd. are now carrying the system which can be activated by the owner if they choose.

CRIME CRM POLICE POL