FOLLOWING a spate of cycle thefts across Fenland, police are urging cyclists to take security precautions when leaving their bikes unattended.

Since August 29, there have been 15 bikes stolen in the district, with thieves targeting cycles in Wisbech, March, Whittlesey and Chatteris.

Over last weekend, two cycles were stolen from outside Ingleberry caravan site in Osborne Road at Wisbech, two were taken from the front garden of a home in Southwell Road at Wisbech, and another one was stolen from a shed in Dartford Road, March.

Many of the bikes that have been stolen were left unsecured outside shops or in gardens.

Cambridgeshire police crime reduction officer Julie Hanrahan said: “It only takes a few minutes for a bike to be ridden away by a thief, so my message would be, ‘If you value it, lock it, don’t lose it’.

“More than half of all bicycle thefts take place at the owner’s property. Simple crime prevention methods can lessen the chance of having a bicycle stolen.

“It may seem like there are lots of things to think about when locking a bike but once you get into the habit you will be able to lock your bike within seconds and it will be well worth the trouble.”

Cyclists are being urged to secure removable parts of their machines, and lock both the wheels and the frame together. Owners are advised to keep a detailed description of their bicycle, mark their cycle in two separate places, and register their cycle at www.immobilise.com

Anyone with information about the bike thefts should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.