POLICE have called on bike owners to protect their vehicles after it emerged more than 60 cycles had been stolen in a west Suffolk town in just three months.

POLICE have called on bike owners to protect their vehicles after it emerged more than 60 cycles had been stolen in a west Suffolk town in just three months.

Most of the 67 bikes stolen in Bury St Edmunds - worth £12,000 in total - have never been recovered.

Suffolk police has urged owners to make sure owners keep their bikes locked when unattended.

Sgt Simon Clifton says, “With the school holidays now upon us, many families, children and other people will be out and about in the town on their bikes. We want every cyclist to think before they leave their bike.

“Many of the stolen bikes have been left insecure, whether in a public place or in the owner's garden. Some have been kept out of sight in an outbuilding - but of the sixteen stolen from buildings, nine were in unlocked garages or sheds. The stolen bikes are a mixture of children's, mans and ladies cycles, so all cyclists should be reminded to keep their bikes safe.”

Bikes can also be registered with Immobilise, the national online property database (www.immobilise.com) - when items with serial numbers, including cycles, are recovered, officers can check the database and if it's registered find its real owner.

A few simple steps can help make your cycle more secure.

· Do not leave cycles in isolated places.

· Park cycles safely and considerately where they will not cause a danger or obstruction to

others, particularly to older people, young children or people with disabilities.

· Always lock a cycle when leaving it, even if it is only for a few minutes.

· Secure cycles to proper cycle stands or robust street furniture (but do observe any requests

not to use certain items of street furniture and be sure not to cause any damage).

· Lock cycles through the frame.

· Secure or remove wheels.

· Remove smaller parts and accessories that cannot be secured, especially lights, pumps

and quick release saddles.

· Have your cycle marked with a suitable security marking that is visible, securely fixed and

provides clear information.

· Store your cycle in a secure garage or shed.