Thieves steal bikes worth more than £16k

The bikes were taken from addresses in the town’s Crossland Crescent, Wemyss Place and Rosetta Road despite some being protected by security measures including chains, locks and floor anchors.

They included a black and blue Transition Sentinel extra-large adult bike; silver Trek Roscoe small adult bike; turquoise specialised Turbo Levo electric bike; blue Canyon Strive CF 9.0 mountain bike; black and green Giant Propel Advanced road bike; and a dark green Sonder mountain bike with rear child seat and red frame bag attached.

Detective constable Bruce Dodds, of Galashiels police station’s criminal investigation department, said: “It’s believed that those responsible for stealing these bikes specifically targeted these properties knowing of the potential pay-off.

“Anyone with information that may assist with our inquiries can call 101, quoting reference number 0877 of May 23, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”

Police are advising bike owners to take a number of steps which can reduce the likelihood of their bike being stolen, including investing in a good quality, robust bike lock such as a D lock or a thick cable lock ... ideally, using two different types of locks as a thief will need more tools to steal it.

Fitting an alarm or a tracking device will also help, as well as storing your bike indoors.

If your bike is stored in a common stairwell, lock your bike with two locks to a secure banister, bicycle rack or ground anchor.

If your bike is stored in a shed or garage, fit a good quality padlock to the shed door and use non-return screws to secure the hinges.

Also, when out and about, lock your bike every time you leave it, even for a few minutes, and use good quality locks, locking through the frame and wheel to an immovable object.

For more information on how to secure your bike, visit: www.scotland.police.uk/keep-safe/home-and-personal-property/keep-your-bicycle-secure