Owners of high-value bikes are being urged to keep them under strict lock and key.
Dorset Police has recently seen a spate of thefts of high-value bikes following break-ins at outbuildings across the county.
The stolen bikes include leisure bikes, road bikes, mountain bikes and dirt bikes.
Officers are issuing advice to high-value bike owners and urging them to assess the security arrangements they have in place.
Detective Inspector Andy Brix, of the Neighbourhood Enforcement Team, said: “These bikes can often be worth thousands of pounds and the loss has a significant impact on each victim.
“We are doing all we can to investigate these incidents and identify anyone suspected of being responsible.
“We want to prevent further bike owners from becoming a victim of crime and are issuing advice to help protect their valuable item.”
Tips on keeping bikes safe include:
- Be careful of applications on your phone where cycle routes are displayed publicly, which may inadvertently lead thieves to your home address.
- If travelling back from an event with your bike, be mindful of being followed.
- Secure your bike to the ground or a lockable stand within a locked shed or garage.
- Keep a bike covered, possibly with an old sheet or blanket, to keep it hidden from view.
- Property marking your items is advisable and some items can be painted with your name or postcode.
Further crime prevention advice can be found here.