POLICE are hoping to put the brakes on a spate of cycle thefts in east Cleveland.

Uniformed officers with the District Community Policing Team, at Redcar, east Cleveland, will be carrying out a range of checks in target areas.

Cyclists will be stopped and bicycles checked to see whether the person riding is the owner. Officers will be equipped with scanning devices that can read electronic chips fitted to most bikes.

The operation has been prompted by a spate of thefts from garden sheds in the area, in which five cycles worth a total of more than £2,500 have been taken.

Detective Inspector Steve Richards, of Langbaurgh district police, said: "Thieves are targeting high value pedal cycles. Taking some preventative measures to protect your property will go a long way towards reducing the chance of this crime happening to you."

Thefts from sheds and garages in Redcar and Cleveland have traditionally been linked with light nights.

Anyone with information about cycle thefts should call the police team on (01642) 302618 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.