Bicycle owners in Broadland are being asked to step up their cycle security following a spate of crime.

In three days, thieves have been given three opportunities to ride away on insecure bikes.

The incidents happened between Tuesday 13-Friday 16 July in Thorpe St Andrew, Reedham and Sprowston.

Inspector Brian Pincher said: “I would urge anyone who owns a bicycle to always secure it when leaving it unattended, take the easy opportunity from opportunistic thieves.

“If anyone witnesses any suspicious activity near to their home call police on 999, if the suspected offender is in the area”.

Crime prevention advice offered by Norfolk Constabulary includes:

• Always lock your bicycle – even if you are just leaving it for a couple of minutes.
  
• Avoid isolated or dimly lit places – leave your bike where a potential thief will be clearly visible.
  
• If yours is a very expensive bike, don’t lock it in the same place on a regular basis – so it won’t be noticed and stolen to order.
  
• Lock your bike through an immovable object – use a proper bike rack, ground anchor or robust street furniture.
  
• Lock your bike through the frame and secure removable parts.
  
• Make the lock or chain hard to manoeuvre when parked.
  
• Keep the gap between the bike and lock small.

Officers are also advising cycle owners to record and register the cycles make, model and frame number which assists police in returning recovered bikes to their rightful owners.