SOUTH Warrington's policing team are calling on cyclists to keep a record of their bike details to help tackle the battle against unclaimed bikes following thefts.

The police are asking bike owners in the area to note down the serial number of their models, take a picture and note down any distinguishing details.

Following a spate of bikes being discarded after being stolen, it has proved to be near impossible for the police to track down the rightful owners - with the bikes subsequently donated to charity.

"This issues is a big problem - we can't find the lawful owner on a lot of bikes because people are not getting down the details of their bike," said Sergeant Robinson, of Warrington South NPU.

"If people do not know the serial number then the chances of the police matching the bikes with them are slim.

"You must know your bike, know the markings on it but first you must lock your bikes up."

Sergeant Robinson and police community support officer Dave Mahon, who is based at Stockton Heath Police Station, are working together to tackle the problem.

But the pair are confident that people will begin to take more precautions in the run-up to Christmas.

"If I lost my bike then I would be gutted," added Sergeant Robinson.

"With young kids, bikes are their pride and joy so for them to not get their bike back after having it stolen would not be nice."

David Mowat, MP for Warrington South, also raised his concerns on the issue and is backing residents to help solve the problem.

“At this time of year it’s really important to make sure high-value items like bikes are secure and marked," he said.

"Nobody wants to have their Christmas ruined because their brand new bike was stolen.

“It’s really important that people do keep track of the unique markings so that, if the worst does happen, items can be recovered and returned to their rightful owners as soon as possible.”