THERE has been an increase in the number of bikes being stolen in an Oxfordshire town.

Thefts have taken place in Carterton in Northholt Road, Bovingdon Road and Shillbrook Avenue.

Richard Conner, PCSCO based in Carterton, said: "We regularly find abandoned bicycles in Carterton but being unable to identify them can not always return them.

"To protect your bicycle always keep it locked, take a picture of it and record the serial number which is located on the frame below the pedals, and if possible engrave your post code on the frame."