throughout the City of Hamilton by the end of the year.

And the CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) system will also help combat the cycle theft epidemic, said Police Commissioner Colin Coxall. Records provided by Police yesterday revealed an optimistic plunge in the overall number of stolen cycles since 1994.

Between January and August of that year a total of 1,470 cycles were reported stolen in comparison to this year's 657.

"You will note the overall trend is now well set and thankfully in the downward direction,'' Mr. Coxall said.

However, the statistics also exposed last month's total of 106 stolen cycles was the highest monthly count for the year.

Mr. Coxall said: "The seasonal lift of 106 stolen in August is caused in the main as a result of thefts from the City area. The CCTV scheme would greatly reduce this number.'' CRIME CRM