Police are reminding cyclists in Jesmond to secure their bikes and be extra vigilant after an increase in the number of thefts since the turn of the year.

Photo by Quan Ha, under Creative Commons licence

During the weekend of the 28^th and 29^th of January, bikes were stolen from the rear yards of houses on Lonsdale Terrace and Osborne Road, while another bike was stolen from a garden in Ashleigh Grove. The cycle-thieving spree continued on Monday 30^th January, when at 2:30pm the police received another report of a bike being stolen outside a house on Hazelwood Avenue.

A further bike was stolen between 12:45pm and 1pm on the same Monday, when a bike secured in the street on Hutton Terrace had its bike lock cut through.

The offenders in the Hutton Terrace theft are described as both being white and thought to be wearing bulky clothing with hoods. What might have seemed unusual was that they would have probably been carrying the bike, which is black in colour with red and white graphics – the entire seat had been removed from the bike by the owner before leaving it secured on the street.

The offenders left the scene at Hutton Terrace and walked towards Portland Terrace. The police are appealing for any information and reminding cyclists to be vigilant.

Neighbourhood Inspector Louise Cass-Williams said: “It is vital bike owners make sure their property is secured. This includes locking it to an immovable object, even if leaving it only for a few seconds, and using a D-lock rather than a chain.

“Bikes are often stolen from people’s gardens and yards, so when it’s unattended around their own property people should still lock it, even when it’s inside the shed or garage. Unfortunately opportunist thieves will take advantage if they see a bike insecure and unattended. It is important people follow advice to keep their property safe.

“We’ve been running an operation to ensure cyclists have security information to prevent further offences and to identify suspects and make arrests. This operation will continue to target those responsible and have them dealt with appropriately.”

Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 ext 69191, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.