By Nick Griffiths Crime Reporter

Last updated 19:54, Friday, 01 August 2008

Thieves have stolen more than 150 bikes in north Cumbria so far this summer – a total haul worth nearly £80,000.

PC Simon Evans

Police have issued a security warning in the wake of the spate, urging bike owners to do all they can to thwart the thieves.

Bikes have been stolen from garden sheds, garages and outhouses in a patch covering Carlisle and Penrith.

Criminals have also targeted bikes left outside shops and homes, seizing on the easy pickings.

Police say some bikes are sold intact while others are stripped for parts. Stolen bikes can be worth anything from £150 to more than £1,000.

Officers do not believe the same people are committing all the crimes.

They say there has been a seasonal rise since April, with thieves preying on the fact cyclists may be taking out their bikes to enjoy the better weather.

PC Simon Evans said: “People have maybe been out on their bikes during the day and there is a temptation to leave them in their garden or down a side alley.

“We’ve had one or two instances when people have left their bike propped up against the wall while they’ve gone into a shop.

“It’s enough time for a thief to take advantage and often these are opportunist thefts.

“There will be a market for certain good quality bikes and we’ve also had instances when bikes have been broken up into parts and sold on.

“Thieves are targeting mountain bikes in particular, stealing them from garden sheds, garages and outhouses as well as ones left unattended on the street. Our advice is for owners to secure their cycle at all times.”

He urged people to contact police if they believe they are being offered a stolen bike or suspect someone is using one.

Simple tips for warding off thieves include:

n Keeping bikes in a secure garage or shed and keeping the door locked;

n Making sure they are out of view and securing them to an immovable object;

n Installing a floor or wall-mounted anchor lock for extra security;

n Always locking bikes while out-and-about and avoiding leaving them in isolated places;

n Using a couple of good quality locks and locking them to an immovable object;

n Securing removable parts, for instance locking both wheels and the frame together.

Phone crime prevention officers on 0845 3300247 for further advice.

NGriffiths@cngroup.co.uk