Police in Hook are trying to trace the owners of a number of bikes that have been recovered from the town in recent weeks. Officers from the Safer Neighbourhoods team in Hook are asking anyone who has lost their bicycle to contact them so they can be reunited with their bike. PC Stacy Beale, of the Hart Neighbourhood Centre, said: “We are keen for people who have recently lost their bicycle to call us and provide us with a description of it. “We may then be able to match it with one we have recovered and return it to them. “We would remind all bike owners of the advantages cycle coding can have in tracking down the owners of lost or stolen bicycles. “Residents are also reminded to ensure their bikes are properly secured in sheds or garages when they are not in use.”

Hampshire Constabulary offers the following advice to keep the contents of your shed or garage safe:

• Make sure your garage or shed is fitted with a good strong lock, padlock, door hinges or other security device.
• Ensure that glass in any windows to garages or sheds is secure and that you have window locks fitted if appropriate. You could consider putting up curtains to prevent anyone seeing the contents of your garage or shed.
• Do not store large quantities of valuables in your shed/garage. Consider other forms of storage.
• Large items can be padlocked together or you could sink a post into the floor of the garage or shed and padlock any items to that post.
• If your garage is not in regular use, ensure that you visit it regularly to check for any signs of damage, or ask a neighbour or friend to keep an eye on it.
• If you rent your garage, check with your landlord for permission before making any changes to the property.
• Consider security lighting if appropriate.
• Check with your insurance company that you are covered for items stored in your shed/garage.
• Fit battery operated shed alarms and mark your property to enable it to be returned should it be stolen and recovered.

For more information about cycle coding and policing in your area contact your local Safer Neighbourhood team on 0845 045 45 45.