BICYCLES are always attractive to thieves: they are a speedy get-away vehicle and easy to sell on. And while most cycle owners have locks for their bikes, many think that if they are just popping into a shop for a morning paper, or into a friend’s for a quick word it is hardly worth the bother to lock up - that is the very time that the opportunist thief will swoop. Though most locks will deter such opportunists - the best bet is a D-shaped shackle lock - though the determined thief with a pair of bolt cutters can break even the heaviest lock in a matter of moments.

If your bike is stolen it is vital that you have it security marked. For only too often police uncover a haul of stolen bikes but have no way to identify the owner. Or you may spot what you think is your bike but how do you prove it?

The police suggest that as well as marking your bike with your post code, you keep a note of its make and type, frame number, colour etc and if possible attach a photo of the bike and keep these details in a safe place - you could be grateful one of these days.