Despondent Deliveroo riders have been left feeling "helpless" following a spate of motorbike thefts.

The takeaway delivery workers have been targeted by thieves over the past eight months.

In the latest incident two bikes were taken from Mauro Borges's garage in Field Avenue, Canterbury.

He says this has left him unable to work, prompting him and other delivery riders to contemplate buying cars instead.

"It’s dangerous to have bikes now," said the 31-year-old.

"It seems to be getting as bad as London. We’ve been experiencing a lot of thefts.

"I woke up on Monday morning to find the garage door open. I suspect they opened the windows of my house to take my key and used that to open my garage."

That night, fellow delivery rider Emerson Machado, 46, also had two bikes stolen from outside his home in Dickens Avenue.

He says this is the third time he has fallen foul of joy-riders since January 29.

The bikes were found on Tuesday in a nearby wood with broken fairings and wires pulled out.

They say they hear of similar incidents in Canterbury "every week", adding that bikes are often found torched or damaged.

"The thieves are getting really bold now. It’s just going to get worse," Mr Borges continued.

“One of my friends once went in to pick up a delivery from Wagamama, but when he went back outside his bike was gone.

"There are so many stories like this - it’s insane.

"Everyone is feeling helpless and hopeless. They can’t work when they have their bikes taken."

Mr Borges, who also works for Uber Eats, says another scooter was stolen from outside his home at the beginning of November.

It was found torched near Littlebourne Road two days later.

"There are more than 20 riders in the area who are asking for help," Mr Borges said.

"We provide all the food to students in town and it affects businesses if we can’t deliver their food."

Police confirmed they were called to Field Avenue and Dickens Avenue on Monday, and enquiries are ongoing.

DI Vicki Tyler, of the Canterbury community safety unit, says police do "everything they can" to reunite victims of theft with their stolen property.

She added: “While there is not a current trend relating to motorcycle thefts in Canterbury, we do not underestimate the effect vehicle crime can have on the ability of people to go about their daily business and we do everything we can to reunite victims with their stolen property.

"We closely monitor reported offences in order to identify any emerging crime types and continue to encourage victims to come forward via www.kent.police.uk/report or by calling 101.

"Every reported incident is then investigated based on the evidence available."

DI Tyler encouraged people to help protect their property from thieves, adding: “We would also urge motorcycle owners to take steps to reduce the chances of their vehicle being stolen, such as by keeping their bike in a secure location and making sure it is clearly marked with their details.

"We often offer free security marking at events and regularly advertise these via social media."