Sounds like the gang active in Bristol are branching further afield (or copycat?)
http://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/LocalPages/NewsDetails.aspx?nsid=24051&t=1&lid=3
Owners of high-value mountain and road bikes are being warned to be extra vigilant about protecting their property after a number of shed and garage break-ins in Bath and North East Somerset.There have been four burglaries in the past week where bikes and cycling equipment worth around £24,000 have been stolen. Police believe the thefts may be linked and that someone is specifically targeting properties where bikes are known to be stored.
Police think the bike owners may have been identified as riding high-value machines and followed to their homes. They say cyclists should be aware of anyone acting suspiciously or tailing them. If they have any concerns they should take a good description of the suspect person and call the police.
The latest break-in happened at a shed behind a house on the Bristol Road in Keynsham. Three mountain bikes each worth more than £1,000 were stolen, along with wheels, pedals, a helmet and a satnav.
On Sunday Aug 14 a garage was broken into at a house in Combe Park. Three mountain bikes and three road bikes were taken.
Three mountain bikes were stolen from a shed at a house in Rosslyn Road on Wednesday Aug 10. And a helmet, lock and road bike were taken from a garage in Manor Park on Tuesday Aug 9.
Sgt Beatrice Hayes of Bath's Community Safety Team is urging bike owners to take extra security measures, including fitting sensor lights and locks onto side gates. She said owners should
• Consider fitting an alarm to sheds and garages
• Register their bike's serial number with a photo on http://www.immobilise.com
• Mark their bikes with a UV or DNA-based security solution
• Secure bikes to a concreted ground anchor
• Always use a lock or chain of Sold Secure standardAnyone who sees anything suspicious is asked to contact the police on 0845 456 7000. Or call the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org. They never ask for your name or trace your call.
