Officers say five bikes a week are being nicked from Newbury - some were not locked - and want to question two men seen loitering near crime spots.

The most frequently targeted streets in Newbury have been Northbrook Street, Kings Road, Bartholomew Street, Craven Road and Newtown Road. The retail park has also been targeted twice.

Most of the bikes stolen, 21 out of the 24 where details were available, were mountain bikes worth £40 to £1,000, an average value of £185.

Most were taken from outside shops, offices, schools and restaurants, though five were taken from driveways and back gardens.

Six were not locked, but most were chained to railings or in a cycle rack, and the majority of thefts took place in broad daylight.

Newbury police wants cyclists to take more care, and other townsfolk to keep an eye on suspicious activity.

PC Gary Hemmings said: "In the last six weeks 29 bikes have been stolen, compared with just six the same time last year. At this time of year people take advantage of the nice weather and use their bikes more often, I ask them to take security seriously and not be taken advantage of themselves."

He urged cyclists to buy a good quality lock, and always lock up their bikes, remove the saddle if possible, and to record the bike's details, as well as making sure it's insured.

Police would like to speak to two men seen acting suspiciously. One is white, aged 25-30, 5' 8", with very tanned skin, with dark brown eyes, shaved black hair, and is scruffy with a baseball cap. He was seen at Fairclose day centre, Newtown Road. The other is aged 35, around 5' 11", and seen at the retail park. He has short brown hair, very bushy eyebrows, blue eyes and is also very tanned.

Anyone with information should contact PC Hemmings 0845 8505505 or anonymously on 0800 555 111.