Cyclist in Marlow are urged to be on their guard after a spate of thefts in recent weeks, with high value bikes being targeted across the area.

Police say more than 20 crimes reported in nearby Henley since December are thought to be linked, with at least three expensive bikes also taken in Marlow since late December.

Of the Marlow thefts, two mountain bikes were reported stolen from separate addresses in Shelley Drive in late December, and one in Campbell Road.

With the ever-growing list of connected crimes taking place only a few miles away in Henley, police are warning all cyclists to be vigilant against the organised criminals.

And owners are being urged to secure their cycles using heavy duty locks, and take advantage of bike marking schemes available through police and bike shops.

Investigating officer PC Becky Tanner said: "People should be aware that a lot of bikes have been stolen from the Henley area since the beginning of October.

"In many of the cases, the bikes’ locks have been cut, forced or tampered with. But in some cases, the bikes have only been secured by the front wheel."

"To avoid being a victim of bicycle theft, people should purchase heavy duty locks and better secure their bikes.

"Cyclists should also make sure their bikes are marked, and that they record all of their bicycle’s information, including serial number."

The Henley thefts - all believed to be linked - have occurred regularly since early October, with the most recent on New Years Eve.

And though police say they do not yet know if the Marlow thefts are part of the same operation, officers are warning owners to be on their guard and follow their safety guidelines.

It comes after a Specialized Rock Hopper Pro mountain bike was stolen from a back garden on Shelley Road overnight on December 21.

And an Orange 'On One' mountain bike worth more than £1000 was taken from a property on the same road sometime between December 16 and 23.

Another bike was reported stolen nearby on Campbell Road the previous week.

Police spokesman Charlotte Redman said: "We are aware of several bike thefts in Marlow, although we cannot yet say if they are connected to the Henley thefts. But we would like to remind people to lock their bikes when stored."

Staff at Marlow cycle shop Saddle Safari said although they do hear about thieves targeting Marlow homes for expensive bikes, so far the problem has not been widespread.

In November, it ran a bike marking event in conjunction with police, for owners to register their bikes for free with an accredited police database.

And the dedicated cycling store is planning a repeat of the exercise, which proved a success last time round.

Bike fitter and sales advisor Rob Simpson said: We have had quite a few people that want to do it again. About 50 people came in to get their bike tagged and another 12 after that coming in to ask us if they’d missed it.

"We do hear about the occasional theft [from Marlow] but it usually seems to be one offs. Luckily you don’t hear about whole streets where they’ve been taken."

Police advice on bike safety can be found at www.thamesvalley.police.uk/bike-theft Have you been targeted by bike thieves? Let us know peter.grant@london.newsquest.co.uk