But Wombwell police aim to put a spoke in the cycle crime chain, by making owners safety conscious.

Safer Neighbourhood Team officers bid successfully for £800 for the purchase of cycle marking kits, bike locks and bike lights to give to members of the public.

The SNT will also brand cycles for free, and details of the bike and its owner will then be entered on to a database to help trace lost or stolen cycles.

Wombwell SNT PC Paul Bower said, "Securing your cycle could make all the different in ensuring your bike is returned to you if you have it stolen. We encourage anyone who owns a cycle to contact us and we will be more than happy to mark it for you."

Everyone who takes up the free service will automatically be entered into a prize draw where prizes include free water bottles, bike locks and lights.

To find out more leave a message on the Wombwell SNT contact line and someone will get back to you, 01226 736408.