Action is needed to tackle the growing problem of cycle bike thefts, says the Maidstone Cycle Campaign Forum (MCCF).

Duncan Edwards, chairman of the campaign, said that cycle thefts were more than just a financial loss - they discouraged people from cycling and could cause huge personal inconvenience.

He cited the case of Inna Pashkevych, an Allington resident who works a night-shift at Linton.

She had been in the habit of cycling to Maidstone West, leaving her bike there, and then taking the bus.

But one night her bike was stolen even though it was locked with a cable lock.

Consequently she lost her transport to get to work and was forced to spend a lot of money on a replacement bike.

Mr Edwards said: "Cycle thefts happen regularly in Maidstone. The forum has received numerous reports of cycles being stolen from people’s houses and flats, from Lockmeadow and from retail areas of the town."

He said there was a need for a three-pronged attack to counter the problem: more secure cycle parking had to be provided in the town centre; cyclists needed to be educated over how best to safeguard their rides, and data on cycle thefts needed to be collected to help inform the police and council on the best methods of intervention.

The forum said it welcomed proposals in Maidstone Borough Council's new town centre strategy to provide lockable enclosures which would protect not just the bike itself, but also accessories such as lights and belongings including helmets and shopping.

Mr Edwards said: "This could make a dramatic difference to enabling people to feel comfortable about cycling into the town with all the health, reduced congestion and economic benefits which could flow from this."

In the meantime, cyclists should use a robust lock.

He said: "As a minimum we are looking for a lock marked with the Sold Secure logo."

Miss Paskevch has now purchased a replacement bike and the MCCF has provided her with a new Sold Secure lock to lessen the chance of future thefts.

The lock was provided at a discount by UK Cycles in Lower Stone Street

The forum advises all victims of cycle theft to report the loss to the police, but also requests victims to advise the forum, so that it has up-to-date evidence to present to the council when campaiging for better bike safety.

The forum's website is here.

They can be contacted by email to info@maidstonecycling.uk