STAFF and officers from Gloucestershire Police and British Transport Police will this week be offering commuters in Cheltenham advice on how to keep their bikes safe.

Staff from both forces will be at Cheltenham train station, Gloucester Road, Cheltenham between 8.30am and 2pm on Wednesday July 16.

The purpose of the event is to raise awareness amongst commuters of the importance of locking, marking and registering their bikes when leaving them at the railway station all day.

Bikes are an appealing item for thieves to steal especially if they are left unattended for long periods at a time, however bike owners can take precautions to make their cycle less attractive for would-be thieves.

Gloucestershire Police Harm Reduction Advisor Kim Mowday said "Unattended, insecure cycles are an incredibly enticing proposition for thieves, but for the victim having your bike stolen is costly and inconvenient.

"Along with our colleagues at BTP we will be on hand all day on Wednesday to offer advice and education to cycle owners to make their bike less appealing to criminals. So if you own a bike, we'd encourage you to come along"

The Gloucestershire Police Neighbourhood Engagement Vehicle will be parked near the main entrance to the train station, where the team will be on hand to help make your trusty steed more secure.