Police are investigating a series of motorcycle thefts.

A grey Hyosung motorcycle was stolen on Beverley Road in Weymouth sometime between 5pm on Monday, October 30 and 9am on Tuesday, October 31. The bike has since been recovered.

An attempted theft of a motorcycle also took place over a similar time period on Dorchester Road.

Since February, Dorset Police have received at least 47 reports of thefts or attempted thefts of motorcycles in Weymouth, Portland and Dorchester.

Weymouth and Portland Deputy Neighbourhood Inspector, Darren Stanton, said police are investigating the thefts.

He said: “A detailed investigation is ongoing into this series of thefts and I am appealing to anyone with information about the thefts to please contact Dorset Police.

"I would strongly advise motorcycle owners to ensure their bike is secure and to follow our crime prevention steps to ensure you do not become the victim of bike thieves."

Police have given motorcyclists some top tips on how to keep their bikes safe:

• Always take your keys with you when you leave your motorbike, even for a short time. If you have security devices fitted, always use them.

• Fit an approved alarm and immobiliser (and sticker) to your bike - this will deter criminals. If the criminal manages to bypass the alarm, the immobiliser will make it difficult if not impossible to start.

• Park your bike in designated areas that are in full view of a busy street or car park.

• Always try and lock your bike away in a secure location such as a garage or shed when it is not in use. By doing this you may also benefit from cheaper bike insurance.

• If you cannot do this then consider adding additional high security measures such as wheel clamps to deter thieves.

• Security mark as many parts of the motorcycle and accessories as possible, use the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or unique coding supplied by a security company.

For more crime prevention advice, visit www.dorset.police.uk Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55170028018. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.