SEVERAL mountain bikes worth a combined value of over £11,000 have been stolen in break-ins around Peebles during a weekend crime spree.

Police Scotland have released details of four reported thefts of nine high value bikes from garages and sheds between Thursday, March 16 to Monday, March 20.

The first incident, which is believed to have occurred between 2pm on Thursday, March 16 and 4.30pm on Saturday, March 18, a white Canyon Nerve AM bike (Valued around £1,600) was stolen from Ballantyne Place.

The second incident is estimated to have happened between 5pm on Friday, March 19 and 3.30pm on Sunday, March 19, when a White Lapierre Zesty bike (Valued around £1,200) was stolen from Crossland Crescent.

A third break-in was reported, with the incident estimated between 6pm on Sunday, March 19 and 6.40am on Monday, March 20, when two bikes valued at £1,300 were stolen from Edinburgh Road.

The forth incident is believed to have occurred between 7.30pm on Sunday, March 19 and 12.30pm on Monday, March 20, when a total of five bikes were stolen from Crossburn Farm Road in Peebles with combined value of over £6,000.

These include; a white gents orange five Pro 29, an orange gents orange P7 Pro, a blue ladies Trek X–Caliber nine, a lime green gents Trek X–Caliber seven and a ladies Giant Alliance road bike and a black carbon fibre frame.

Inspector Tony Hodges of Galashiels Police Station said: “These thefts occurred at addresses where the bikes were secure, nevertheless we would ask that the public be aware of these thefts and be vigilant.

“Be aware of any suspicious activity in your area, including any suspicious vehicles especially larger ones that could be used to carry stolen bikes. 

“I would ask anyone with any information about these theft to get in touch with police as soon as possible on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

The force have also released several tips for residents to help prevent Bike Theft:

  • Don’t advertise the fact that you have expensive bikes on social media.
  • If you can’t keep expensive bikes in your house then keep your garage or shed doors closed and locked at all times. Use high quality locks and fixings to deter / slow down thieves.
  • Register and security mark your bikes with a national cycle database such as Bikeregister: www.bikeregister.com
  • Install a shed/garage alarm that will give an audible signal of intruders.
  • Security lighting can also help deter potential thieves.

More detailed advice is available on the Police Scotland website: www.scotland.police.uk/keep-safe/home-and-personal-property/secure-your-garden-and-outbuildings.