Thieves targeting top bikes in North Somerset

More than £35,000 worth of top-end bikes and cycling gear has been stolen across North Somerset this summer.

There have been six thefts from garages since the beginning of June in Long Ashton, Winford, Hutton, Flax Bourton, Nailsea and Portishead.

Now police are warning cyclists to be extra vigilant.

DC Stephen Bark, of Avon and Somerset police, urged cyclists to invest in high-quality locks and bolts to keep garages secure and get an alarm.

Will Bjergfelt, a member of semi-professional cycling team SportBeans/Willier, had two bikes stolen from his garage in Portishead in June.

One had a training computer fixed to it and two sets of wheels and a mountain bike frame were also stolen.

Mr Bjergfelt, 30, said: "The bicycles and cycling equipment were all stored in a locked garage at home and the value of everything stolen amounted to £14,500.

"The loss of my bike has really affected my season, particularly as it was taken right at the beginning of the city centre Tour Series – a high-profile televised event.

"I have had to compete on a borrowed bicycle, which certainly limited my performance."

Garage security equipment and alarms can be bought at a discounted rate from Avon and Somerset police on 0845 4567000.