POLICE have issued advice to cyclists after a spate of incidents in which bikes were stolen.

Officers say there has been a rise in reports of bike thefts and shed break-ins in parts of Eastbourne, in the Old Town and Hampden Park areas.

READ MORE: Two teenagers arrested after scooters stolen from garage in Eastbourne

The force said cyclists across Sussex should take the following steps to protect their bicycles.

Register your bike

Cyclists can get their bikes security marked and registered at BikeRegister, the national cycle database.

Sussex Police said: “It’s a highly effective, visible deterrent to bike thieves.

"They know that if they are caught with a registered bike, the owner can be traced and they will be arrested.”

Record your bike details and take a photo

Remember to record details of your bike such as the frame number, which is normally found underneath the bike, between the pedals or where the back wheel slots in.

Also make a note of the BikeRegister number, plus any other distinguishing features.

Take a photo of your bike so it can be easily identified.

Always double-lock your bike and use a D-lock 

Police say it can take thieves as little as “a few seconds” to cut through some locks.

Cyclists are advised to use two good quality locks at once, including at least one D-lock.

This includes when locking bikes outdoors and inside a shed.

For tips on how to secure your shed, visit the Sussex Police website.