RESIDENTS in Darwen are being warned to lock up their bikes after more than a dozen thefts have been reported to police.

Officers said the spate of thefts over the past month had been concentrated in the Earcroft and Sunnyhurst areas.

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Many of the bikes have been valued between £1,000 and £3,500.

The town's neighbourhood policing boss, Sgt Dave Sherrington, said thieves were taking the bikes from sheds and garages and said residents should consider keeping them inside.

Darwen's Mayor said the statistics were 'deeply concerning'.

Sgt Sherrington said: "We have been experiencing a very big rise in the number of stolen pushbikes, especially in the Earcroft and Sunnyhurst areas around.

"Birch Hall Avenue and Earnsdale Road have been hotspots and there's also been some in Lower Darwen as well that I've heard about.

"These bikes are often very expensive and we are working on finding out who is responsible for this crime.

"Anyone who has any information should get in touch with us and we would also like people to be extra careful with their bikes.

"People need to make sure they are properly secured inside their home addresses and not in sheds or garages as these have been targeted.

"We are trying our best to catch the offenders and I hope that someone will be able to help us track them down."

As well as expensive adult mountain bikes, children's bikes have also been stolen from some properties.

Sgt Sherrington said: "Children's bikes are not so expensive but it's not about that, Its about the fact that children like to go out on bikes and it's upsetting when that is stolen from them.

"Plus, some families cannot afford to replace them, these smaller bikes are still hundreds of pounds."

Trevor Maxfield, Darwen mayor and Earcroft ward councillor advised people to keep a close eye on their property.

He said: "It's come as quite a shock to me the news and I think people need to make sure bikes are properly locked up and take extra care."