POLICE in Northallerton are urging people to ensure their pushbikes are kept securely - after a spate of thefts in the town.

A number of bikes were taken from addresses on Ashlands Close and Bankhead Road last weekend.

Among the machines stolen were three children’s cycles, a girl’s pink BMX, a girl's silver cycle with white tyres and beads hanging from the handlebars and a child’s JCB bike with stabilisers and pedals on the front wheels.

Also stolen, were two adult mountain bikes, one black and one green. The stolen bikes had been left in the front gardens of the houses.

PC Jim Egan said: "Any theft is a disgrace but even more so when the items stolen clearly belong to children.

"If anyone knows who stole the bikes or where they are now I ask them to contact me immediately.

"I ask that homeowners take a few minutes to ensure that pedal cycles are either securely locked or better still kept out of sight of potential thieves."

Anyone with information should contact PC Egan at Northallerton police station on 0845 6060 247. Alternatively, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.