POLICE in Darlington are warning cyclists to keep their bikes secure following a spate of thefts.

Two unsecured bikes were stolen from a back yard in the Cockerton area overnight on Monday. The theft is the latest in a string of incidents in the past few weeks.

Inspector Dennis Dixon, of Darlington police, said: "It is always a problem at this time of year, during the school summer holidays.

"We just want to advise people to secure their bikes at all times, even if they are just leaving them for a moment.

"We recommend they go to a reputable bike dealer, such as Halfords, or other specialist bike shops, to buy good secure locks."