POLICE have warned cyclists to be vigilant following a number of thefts of bikes in the Highbridge area over the last few weeks.

To help reduce the number of bikes being stolen security marking sessions are being staged on October 14.

The sessions will be held in the Police Pod at ASDA car park in Highbridge from 4pm-5pm, in the Apex Park car park, from 5.30pm-6.15pm and at the Community Rooms in Market Street, from 6.30pm-7pm.

Bike owners can get their cycles marked with either a free UV marking service which marks the bike with the owner's postcode in a number of locations or, secondly, using the BikeRegister.com, a permanent marking and ownership database.

The police are able to offer this service at a discounted rate of £4 per pedal cycle, or £3 for students.

Burnham and Highbridge PCSO Claire Chambers said: "Marking your pedal cycles using recognised methods will help prevent your pedal cycle being stolen.

“It will also help police identify a bike as stolen and help get it retuned to its rightful owner.

"Police advise residents to lock up their pedal cycles whenever they leave them unattended and to use a high quality lock and chain.

“When at home, keep your bicycle locked in a secure location such as a shed or outbuilding, away from public view.

"Consider using ground anchors and/or fitting a shed alarm to the outbuilding. Lock your pedal cycle through the frame and always lock it to a proper bike rack or immovable object.

“Lock all removable items, such as quick release wheels and saddles, together so they cannot easily be removed."