THE number of bicycles stolen in Swindon town centre has tripled in the space of a month the latest police crime figures show – marking the highest number of bike thefts in the last two and a half years.

But officers in the town centre say they have made a number of arrests, leading to many of those brought in being charged with the offence.

Now they are urging residents not to make their own bikes an easy target for would-be thieves by ensuring they are kept secure.

During September there were 42 cases of bikes being stolen from the town centre area the recently published figures show. The previous month there had been just 14 cases of bikes stolen from the same area.

September’s figures mark the highest on record since police started breaking theft figures down to cover bike thefts individually, which started in May 2013.

Prior to September the highest number of thefts within a month had been in July and May of this year when there were 19 cases reported.

Since the increase in incidents in September officers have been working hard to combat the problem.

Sergeant Max Whyte said: “A number of arrests have been made during October and November for thefts of cycles with the suspects charged on most occasions.

"Some of the arrests have arisen from methodical and thorough police enquiries and some have benefitted from good quality CCTV images - and, on one occasion, photos taken by a witness using a phone’s camera.

“Some of the cycle thefts reported in the last two months have been from outside peoples’ houses where bikes were left unlocked.

“We always urge cyclists to park their bikes as securely as they are able by using garages, selecting purpose made cycle securing points, by using robust locks and chains and to take with them any removable accessories when they leave their bikes.

“Similarly, anyone with any information about any cycle thefts - or about any crime - should call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”

The overall crime figures for September mark the highest number of incidents, not only in 2015 but since May 2012.

The number of burglaries was down from 21 cases in August to 16 in September, but vehicle crimes and drugs incidents both more than doubled. There were minor increases to shoplifting and robbery instances, but decreases to incidents involving weapons and public order.