CYCLISTS are being urged not to use state-of-the-art mobile phone apps when they are riding following a surge in bicycle thefts.

Dorset Police are encouraging cyclists who use social media apps to map their route during a ride to check their settings because they believe that the data that is shared on the internet has contributed to a rise in thefts of high-value bikes.

Since April this year, there have been 481 reports of pedal cycle theft across Dorset.

Ady Thompson, Poole’s Safer Neighbourhood Team Sergeant, said: “We have noticed a rise in the number of high value cycles being stolen recently, particularly from the conurbation, which we believe could be linked to people unwittingly leading thieves to their home addresses due to posting information online.

“However, people are still leaving their bikes unlocked when unattended, which makes the theft a low-risk, high-reward crime in the eyes of a criminal.

“We are urging all cyclists to be mindful of the amount of personal information which they share over the internet and how this can be interpreted by criminals, as data isn’t just accessible to fellow enthusiasts, but to thieves too.

“Changing the privacy settings on an app will make it hard for would-be thieves to pinpoint where the bike is stored when not in use.

“It takes seconds to do, but can save thousands of pounds, hours of frustration and upset and deny the criminal a ‘quick thrill’ or a sale.”

Officers proactively patrol areas which have had cycles stolen and use the Bright Bikes initiative to remind cyclists to secure their property, which also acts as a visible deterrent to criminals.

Sergeant Thompson added: “Doing simple things such as getting your bike marked by your local Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) officer, removing bike racks from vehicles when at home, using ground anchors when your cycle is stored away, locking your bike with two different types of locks and when buying a second hand bike and checking the details on Bike Register to make sure it’s not stolen, all help deter thieves from stealing your property.”

SNTs also hold cycle marking events, where they engrave bicycles and register them onto bikeregister.com. An officer can also do this at a time and location suitable for the cyclist.

Top Ten Tips on Keeping Your Cycle Safe: 1. Get your bike security marked by police and register it at www.BikeRegister.com

2. Record details of your bike - take a photo and record the frame and BikeRegister numbers along with any other distinguishing features

3. Use locks of 'Sold Secure' gold standard - try to use two different types of lock, with at least one being a high quality D-lock. It takes thieves a few seconds to cut through poor quality locks

4. Lock the frame and both wheels to the cycle parking stand

5. Make the locks and bike hard to manoeuvre - secure your bike as close to the stand as possible

6. Take parts that are easy to remove with you - for example, saddles and wheels. Or use secure skewers, which can increase security by securing the bike's components to the frame permanently

7. Lock your bike at recognised secure cycle parking - it should be well lit and covered by CCTV if possible

8. Take the same care to lock your bike securely at home - many bikes get stolen from communal hallways, gardens and sheds. Take a look at the Pragmasis shed bar. Not all Home Insurance policies cover bicycles – so check yours today

9. Don't buy a stolen second-hand bike - buying a stolen bike will encourage the thief to steal more, and make other people’s lives a misery. Insist on proof of ownership and check the bike frame number online

10. If your bike has been stolen, contact the Police and Bike Register. Give them your frame number, BikeRegister number, photo and any other relevant details