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 think data 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 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.”