Cyclists are being warned to secure their bikes after a recent increase in the number of bike thefts on the Island.

Police say the majority of pedal cycles that are reported stolen are either mountain bikes or children's cycles and are often not kept in a secure location, thus making them an easy target for an opportunist thief.

Officers are advising owners to make sure that bikes are kept locked when unattended and also kept somewhere secure at night. A record should also be kept of the serial number under the pedal crank, with a photograph of the bike itself to help the chances of recovery if the bike is stolen.