PEDAL cycles valued at almost £200,000 were stolen in the Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Pennine police division last year.

In Burnley, 412 machines valued at £85,000 were stolen.

Many were recovered but some could not be returned to their owners because they were not identified.

A free cycle marking project was provided in a joint venture between the police, Burnley Ladies' Circle and Halfords store on the Anchor Retail Park.

Burnley Crime Prevention officer Trish Ellins said: "In total 996 cycles were stolen in the Pennine Division last year.

"Already this year, 14 have been stolen in Burnley and Padiham, no doubt some of them treasured Christmas presents."

Everyone who had their bike postcoded was entered into a free draw for bicycle security equipment donated by Halfords.

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