PC Neil English said: "Some of the bikes had been left unsecure, others had been locked or left in sheds.

"The important thing is to ensure that your lock is of good quality and that you fasten it around the frame - not just the wheel. If you think about how much you spend on your bike, spend around 10 per cent of that on a decent lock.

"Take photos of your bike and note down any serial numbers. Consider using Immobilise to register your bike. That way, if it is recovered we can trace the original owner."

PC English advised anyone whose bike had been stolen, who can prove that they own the bike, to go to St Neots Police Station.

He added: "We get around eight lost or stolen bikes a week brought into the police station. If anyone has proof of ownership, they can come to the enquiry office and view the bikes."

St Neots Police Station is in Dovehouse Close, St Neots. The enquiry office is open from 8am to 10pm, Monday to Thursday, 8am to 9pm on Friday, 8am to 4pm on Saturday and closed on Sunday.

Immobilise is a national property database that allows you to protect your possessions for free. Any valuables with a unique serial number can be registered online. The process is free. Visit www.immobilise.com.