Topsham cyclists are being warned to make sure their bikes are kept securely, amid fears cycle thieves are operating in the town.

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The warning comes from Exeter police after they revealed that £95,000 worth of bikes have been stolen across the city between February and August this year.

And it seems the threat is continuing in Topsham after a bike locking chain was cut at Route 2 café bar.

No bike was attached to the chain at the time, but Topsham PCSO Sarah Giles said the incident showed cyclists needed to be careful, and warned them to be vigilant.

Police say the most common time for a bike offence is overnight and most are taken from rear gardens, sheds or garages.

When unattended, bikes should be securely locked, stored in a safe, high footfall area and, if possible, where CCTV is present.

Bikes should not be left outside at night unless the security measures will hold up. Sheds and garages should be secured with high quality security devices.

Many bikes are recovered each year but the police are unable to reunite them with their owners due to the bikes not being security marked or because they have not been registered online, which can be done at www.bikeregister.com

Police are also warning residents not to buy bikes without serial numbers, as these are commonly filed off by thieves.

If you have had a bike stolen recently, call the police on 101, referencing the bike serial number and any identifiable marks.

If anyone is seen tampering with a bike, this should be reported on 101, or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.