POLICE are urging residents to check the security of their outbuildings – particularly in rural areas of North Yorkshire – after a spate of thefts.

In the last few days, thieves have broken into garages and stolen bikes and motorbikes worth thousands of pounds.

Enquiries are ongoing to determine whether the incidents are linked, to identify those responsible, and to return the bikes to their rightful owners.

Incidents include a theft from a garage in the Boroughbridge area between January 19 and 21 where the offender cut through two locks and stole a red and white motorbike – which had only just been given as a Christmas present.

Around the same time, between January 20 and 21, three bicycles with a combined value of £3,000 were stolen from Cargrave and two mountain bikes, an Orange and a Giant model, worth around £2,500, were stolen from a garage in the Grassington area.

PC Liz Estensen, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “Enquiries are ongoing into these incidents, and while our investigations continue, I am urging North Yorkshire residents to be vigilant and double-check the security measures they have in place.

“Recorded crime figures show that thieves are far more likely to break into sheds and garages than houses, so consider taking extra steps to protect your outbuildings, particularly if you live in a rural or isolated area.”