NEIGHBOURHOOD police officers in Medway have seized suspected stolen bicycles following a search of a flat in Chatham.

Sgt Rob Jackson arrested a man who was reported to be acting suspiciously in the garden of a house in Chatham.

Later a search of his home uncovered 17 suspected stolen bikes and some fishing equipment, also believed to be stolen.

Sgt Jackson said: "We are keen to reunite the bikes with their rightful owners. I would like to ask anyone in the Chatham area who has reported a stolen bike over the last few months to contact us to see if their bike has been recovered.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to remind cyclist to be security conscious. For some people a bicycle is their main means of transport and I do not want them to be inconvenienced by a theft.

"Often thieves will target bikes that have been left unlocked or rested on the side of a shop whilst the owner is inside. It only takes a few seconds to take a bike and ride off and we want to stop these opportunities.

"It is advisable to property mark your bike, this helps police trace the rightful owner in the event of it being stolen then later recovered.

"By security marking your bike it is made less attractive to a thief. We want to make life harder for the thief and allow people the opportunity to protect what is rightfully theirs."

A 46-year-old Chatham man has been arrested on suspicion of theft. He has been bailed to the police station pending further enquiries.

Anyone who thinks their bicycle may have been reclaimed in the haul is asked to contact Kent Police in Medway on 01634 792425.