THE second phase of a campaign to cut bicycle crime is being rolled out.

The first phase of the Harrogate District Safer Communities Partnership initiative has led to a major drop in the number of bike thefts.

In the summer, there were more than 25 cycles a month being stolen in the district - just five were taken in December.

The second phase includes free cycle security coding workshops.

Police officers coded bikes at the first workshop of this year in Knaresborough, on Saturday.

Harrogate District Council leader, and chairman of the partnership, Councillor Mike Gardner, said: "We are extremely pleased with the December figures, which are the lowest yet.

"By working together and with owners being careful to care for their property, we can reduce numbers even more."

Further workshops will take place from 10am to 3.30pm, on Saturday, at Ripon Market Square; from 10am to 12.30pm, on Saturday, January 28, at Harrogate Jennyfields Co-op car park and from 1pm to 3.30pm at Trefoil Drive, Harrogate; from 10am to 12.30pm, on Saturday, February 4, at Harrogate St George's Social Club car park and from 1pm to 3.30pm at Harrogate St Aidan's High School car park.