BICYCLES with a combined value of several thousand pounds have been stolen from the Nailsworth area.

The spate of thefts has prompted a warning from police, who are asking owners to be vigilant and make sure their bikes are properly secured.

The first incident occurred on Thursday, January 12 when a group of four offenders targeted a property on Pensile Road.

Police believe thieves used a van to steal three bikes and garden machinery worth several thousand pounds from a padlocked garden shed.

It is believed the theft took place sometime between 7.30pm on Thursday and 10am on Friday.

A Gary Fisher hybrid worth £300, a specialised hybrid worth £350 and another specialised bike worth £180 were stolen.

The thieves also stole a Stihl chainsaw valued at £800, a hedge trimmer worth £200, a hedge cutter worth £500 and an Echo leaf blower worth £700.

Also on Thursday night, four “high value” bikes were taken from a locked communal bike store at Dunkirk Mill in Nailsworth.

A caretaker at the block of flats reported the theft to the police after she saw a man walking away to the nearby cycle track at 3.45am, carrying a bike.

“We understand there are a number of victims involved and we’re trying to contact them,” said Andy Poole of Stroud Police.

A third incident occurred at a property on Bath Road in Nailsworth on Saturday, January 14.

A green and white Voodoo, a specialized dirt jumper and a Halfords mountain bike were swiped from a garden shed. Police said one of the bikes alone was worth £1000.

“We’ve seen a series of shed breaks and garage thefts in the Nailsworth area in the last few days,” added Mr Poole.

He appealed for witnesses or anyone who see the bikes for sale to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or police on 101.