Cyclists are warned '“ '˜lock it up or lose it'

And the problem is on the increase, according to Hampshire Constabulary.

They have recorded 20 incidents of stolen bikes throughout October, adding up to a total value of almost £4,000.

Sergeant Lesley Meenaghan, of Gosport Police, has stressed the importance of bike owners and cyclists keeping their property as secure as possible.

Sgt Meenaghan said: ‘Since October 1 we have received 20 reports of bikes being stolen in Gosport.

‘The total value of the bikes that have been taken is around £3,900.

‘Simple measures can really make the difference to prevent theft.

‘Securing your bike to a fixed point such as appropriate street furniture with a secure lock that cannot be easily tampered with is important and if leaving your bike overnight or for long periods consider whether it can be stored in a building which can be locked up properly.

‘Very often we receive reports of expensive bikes being secured with poor quality locks.’

Gosport Community Safety Partnership has organised the Cycle Safe event this Saturday at the Ferry Gardens between midday and 3pm to raise awareness of the problem.

The Ferry Gardens is an area where many people lock their bikes up before commuting on the ferry to Portsmouth.

The event will have secure D-locks for sale at a discounted price of £10.

Carly Perry, the community safety officer at Gosport Borough Council, said: ‘We co-ordinate the work of Cycle Safe which is an initiative created for dealing with cycle-related issues including theft.

‘The scheme also includes safety messages and responsibilities for cyclists.

‘Funding obtained from Hampshire police and crime commissioner enables us to attend various events in Gosport and offer free cycle coding, discounted cycle locks and advice to residents in an attempt to ensure cycling in Gosport is safe and secure.’