CYCLISTS in Northumberland are being advised not to make life easy for opportunist thieves.
Many residents are following crime prevention advice by locking their bikes when unattended and storing them securely at home.
But police are still receiving reports of thefts where bikes are left in places such as gardens and back yards without any security.
Chief Inspector Peter Reeve said: “With the warmer weather upon us and lighter nights, more people are using their bikes.
“I understand people may feel tempted to leave it lying in the garden or against a wall, but this is leaving it wide open to opportunist thieves who will take just seconds to make off with it.
“I would urge people to get into the habit of locking their bike to something secure when they leave it unattended, even if it’s only for a short time. Anything which makes it harder for thieves will reduce the risk of the bike being stolen in the first place.
“I’d also ask people to take a note of their bike’s frame number and other details such as make and model to make it easier for it to be reunited with the owner if it is lost or stolen.”
Further crime prevention advice can be found at www.northumbria.police.uk
Cyclists can also register their bike’s details on the national property database www.immobilise.co.uk