A NEW campaign aims to put bicycle thieves in the hot-seat after a surge of cycle thefts across the Harrogate area in the countdown to the Tour de France.

Police say 141 bikes were stolen across the district between April last year and February this year compared with 84 in the previous 12 months.

The new STOP Cycle Theft campaign also underlines how cyclists who follow simple steps can be reunited with stolen machines if they are recovered.

Julia Stack, Community Safety Manager at Harrogate Council, said: “With the imminent arrival of the Tour de France, there has been a noticeable increase in cycle ownership across the district.

“Unfortunately, opportunist thieves have taken advantage and there has also been an increase in cycle theft in recent months.

“The campaign provides tips on how to keep bicycles safe and secure including information on cycle locks, registration and police identification, insurance, where to park, and how to secure your bike at home.”