Police in Northallerton will be holding two bike security sessions in January and February.

Officers from Northallerton are inviting cyclists to attend the town hall on Sunday 23 January and Sunday 20 February to have their bikes marked with their postcode free of charge.

Sergeant Simon Wilson of Northallerton Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “The security marking is one element of our ongoing campaign to clampdown on bike thefts. The marking is free of charge and means we can quickly reunite any stolen property with its owner.

“We have also carried out security checks on cycles which we have found in various parts of the town. If you have left your bike insecure, you may have found it ‘locked’ by police officers with a note to contact the police to have it released. This is one tactic we have used to highlight the importance of locking your cycle when left unattended.

“Many people will have received cycles for Christmas and we are encouraging everyone to take adequate security measures to prevent the loss of their property. Officers will also be on hand to provide general security advice. ”

Crime prevention tips

• Ideally, use two secure-rated locks for maximum security
• Lock both wheels and the frame
• Always lock the frame to a solid object such as a bike stand
• Two types of lock are harder to break
• Remove all your bike accessories every time you leave it unattended
• Make a note of all serial numbers
• Take a photograph of your bike
• Always leave your bike in a highly visible location
• Don’t ever leave your cycle insecure