CYCLISTS will be marked on how safe their bicycle has been parked as part of a relaunched campaign to reduce the number of bike thefts in Colchester.

Colchester Council has teamed up with Essex Police to bring back its Bike Wise initiative.

The Safer Colchester Partnership led campaign sees police officers carry out audits of bikes parked in the town centre, as well as areas like Leisure World and Essex University.

Cyclists are informed of how they're doing via a tag placed on the bike, which also features suggestions on how to improve.

Extra patrols will also take place to deter bike thieves and cycle shops have been brought in to offer security advice.

The Bike Wise initiative was started in 2014 and this year is being partly funded through Colchester Council's Better Colchester campaign.

Sergeant Stuart Austin, of Colchester's Town Centre Team, said: "With the warmer months upon us, more people are travelling in Colchester by bike and with that comes the potential rise in bike thefts.

"Opportunists, particularly around the town centre and university, will check your bike to see how secure it is.

“When it comes to your possessions, possibly your transport to work or into town, please don’t cut corners.

"We know most bikes thefts are avoidable and there are many steps you can take to help keep your bike safe.

“It’s worth considering marking your property, the locks you are using, the places you are keeping them and assessing your home security.

"We been working closely with Colchester Borough Council to educate bike users or potential cyclists about the great benefits of cycling and the steps you can take to keep you and your stuff safe."

During the campaign the Enjoy Colchester Facebook page will be offering high-quality bikes locks as competition prizes and notices to remind cyclists to lock their vehicles will be distributed.

Public safety boss Mike Lilley said: "Through Bike Wise we can let cyclists know the best ways to lock up their bike, so they can feel secure enough to enjoy the environmental, physical health and money saving benefits of cycling.

“We are passionate about making Colchester a safe place for residents and visitors, and I am thrilled that the Better Colchester campaign can support such an important initiative.”

Visit safercolchester.co.uk/Bikewise.