The police are urging cyclists to register their bike online so it can be traced if stolen.

PC Chris Vincent, from Falmouth Police Station, said national property database immobilise.co.uk was one of the best websites to register possessions for free.

The service is supported by the police and provides the option to register any valuables with a unique serial number – such as a bike.

“Like all crimes, bicycle theft is found to be concentrate at certain locations,” PC Vincent said.

“Although the majority of bicycle crime occurs in and around the victim’s home, thefts are also found to concentrate at schools, university campuses and town centres.

“At these public locations there are numerous bicycles routinely left and where offenders typically look inconspicuous when foraging for suitable targets.”

While the police always advise cyclists to fully secure and lock their property, registering with immobilise.co.uk can also help victims of theft be reunited with their stolen property, PC Vincent said.