Massive Haul Of Stolen Bikes Found

Police in the New Forest have recovered more than 100 suspected stolen bikes as part of a crackdown on bike theft.

Since September at least 50 bikes have been reported as stolen across the Lymington, Brockenhurst and New Milton areas worth at least £15,000. The number of thefts has been running at around twice the level of the same time last year.

The bikes have been taken from locations including people's drives, apartment storage areas and locked public cycle racks.

Local officers and the British Transport Police have been investigating and have recently made five arrests in connection with the thefts. They also found the hoard of bikes in a Polytunnel near Pennington.

They are now contacting all victims of cycle theft in the area since April this year offering them the chance to view the bikes seized and see if one belongs to them.

PC Ian Cross from the Lymington Safer Neighbourhood Team said: "If anyone in the area has been the victim of a theft and not reported this to the police we urge them to contact us, even if your bike was low in value or your insurance company have paid out already your evidence could be the vital."

Police say every single bike stolen was secured using a chain or cable lock. They're advising people to use a D-Lock secured around the frame.

Of the five arrested three men aged, 20, 23 and 52 from the New Forest area have been released on police bail while enquires continue until early January. A 14-year-old has been given a caution in relation to the theft of a single cycle and an 18-year-old man has been reported for summons in connection with the theft of a single bike.

Anyone who has had their bike stolen in the area and would like to view the bikes or has any information about the thefts is asked to contact PC Ian Cross at Lymington Police Station on 101.