ANDOVER cyclists are being warned to take extra precautions when locking up their bikes, after a spate of thefts in the area.
Yesterday (Monday, November 16) police stopped and searched one man who was "acting suspiciously", and are also targetting "hotspots" in the town with additional patrols.
Officers are carrying out enquiries including looking at CCTV footage, but warn this rarely leads to recovery of the stolen bikes.
Posting on Facebook, Test Valley police said: "We’ve been receiving increasing reports of bicycles being stolen in Andover over the last few weeks.
"Where we can we have diverted our patrols in hotspots including Andover College and the leisure centre. Yesterday officers stopped and searched a male acting suspiciously in the area. Enquiries are also in hand including reviewing CCTV footage.
"Unfortunately a cheap padlock and chain can be cut in seconds and CCTV usually won’t get your bike back
"No lock is unbreakable but we always recommend at least a good strong D-lock as these will usually deter or slow down the thieves.
"If you’re offered a bike for sale and it seems too good to be true it might be stolen, let us know online or anonymously via crimestoppers."
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