Cyclist are being urged to take care when leaving bikes unattended after two were stolen from a town centre.

At 9am on Monday, a cyclist in Maidstone left a mountain bike locked up on High Street. When they returned a short while later, it had been stolen along with the lock.

On the same day, second bike was then targeted in Week Street between 12.30pm and 1.20pm while the owner went into a shop.

Insp Mark Hedges of Maidstone’s community safety unit said: "Cycles can be easy targets for thieves but you can take some simple steps to protect your property.

"Get a good lock and attach your bike and any removable parts such as the wheels to something secure, even if only you are only leaving it for a few minutes.

"Don’t forget to take any light fittings or expensive accessories with you.

"Cyclists should avoid leaving their bike in an isolated place and use locations where a potential thief can be seen by witnesses or on CCTV."

For further information on how to prevent crime, click here.

Anybody with information that may assist the investigation is asked to call Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting crime reference 46/134833/20 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or using the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org

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Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone.