A stolen bike has been returned to its rightful owner after a burglary victim spotted it on Kent Police’s website.

Ray Winter, of Dartford Road in Hextable, had his bike returned to him two days after it was stolen from his home on Sunday, October 26.

The 66-year-old spotted the bike, which belongs to his wife, on a new section of the police’s website called Is It Yours?

Mr Winter said: "To be honest I did not have the slightest optimism when I looked but the page was very easy to find and there were four categories, one of which was sport and leisure.

“I thought the bike wouldn’t be on it, but sure enough it was. The website is well worth a visit. If you have had anything stolen just have a look.’

Is It Yours? is an online initiative by Kent Police to return stolen property to its rightful owners and has been rolled out across the entire county.

It was launched earlier this year and contains photos of items seized during enforcement operations, but where the true owner has not been identified.

DC Neil Harvey is one of a number of officers continuing efforts to reunite victims of crime with recovered and seized items.

He said: “This gives us a fantastic opportunity to build on the successes we are already having in returning stolen items to their rightful owners.

“We know that burglary can have devastating consequences for victims and although we are doing all we can to reduce these offences and arrest those responsible, it is equally important we try and give people a happy ending by reuniting them with their belongings.

“I’m delighted we have been able to help Mr Winter in this respect, but I would also like to remind people that they stand a far greater chance of having stolen belongings returned, by security marking items such as bikes and power tools and making sure electronic devices, including phones and tablets are logged on the property marking database www.immobilise.com.

“I would also encourage people to take photographs of any distinctive items you purchase, to help us ensure they are returned to you as soon as possible if they are stolen.”

To visit the website click here