Bike thefts are on the rise across towns in Oxfordshire, police have warned today.

Already this year 21 bikes have been stolen from Abingdon town centre, nine from Wantage and four in Faringdon.

Police in the Vale of the White Horse are urging cyclists to take more care of their bicycles following the increase.

Crime reduction adviser Roger Foster said: "It is good to know that people are using their bikes to get to and fro but I would like to offer some simple advice to cyclists, to help them to look after their bikes."

Cyclists are advised to securely lock their bikes to a fixed structure even if it is only being left alone for a few minutes.

They should always be locked in well lit areas and near CCTV coverage if possible.

Owners are also advised to mark their bikes with postcode and house number and keep a photograph to help officers with identification if bikes are recovered.

For more crime advice or to report information about bike theft contact police on 08458 505505 or speak anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.