Since April 2024, the number of bike thefts in Kingston have increased rapidly, with September being the worst month.

In both April and May there were 16 recorded bike thefts in the borough.

In June there were 38.

However, there was a slight drop in bike thefts in July, with 34 recorded.

Yet this number increased again in August to 37 and reached its highest number in September with 47, which equates to more than ten bike thefts a week for that month.

Speaking about the matter, Kingston Cycling Campaign's Co-ordinator, Jon Fray said: "So far this year police records show 244 bikes reported stolen in the borough.

"47 in September was the highest monthly total so far.

"Thefts have nearly tripled compared to May 2024. Official figures show almost 600 (594) bikes were reported in the year ending March 23."

He continued:" Kingston Cycling Campaign is urging people to review their bike security; to lock their bikes with strong D-locks, not flexible cable locks, to lock their bikes when they are stored at home in sheds and garages, and to register their bikes at BikeRegister.com ideally at one of the police registration events.

"Registration helps secure a conviction and return of a bike if it's retrieved."

Kingston Cycling Campaign helped the council by putting stickers on Sheffield stands around the borough showing people how to safely lock their bikes up (Credit: Suzanne Seyghal- Buckingham)

Residents concerned about bike theft can join Kingston Council's free "Dr Bike" and Police bike marking sessions - bikes are over 80% less likely to be stolen when displaying the BikeRegister barcode label.

The council also has a number of on-street residential cycle hangars across the borough.

 Residents can find cycle hangar locations, enquire about vacancies and can apply for an on-street cycle hangar space here.

If a resident's bike has been stolen, they should contact the Metropolitan Police as soon as possible by reporting online.

According to London Cycling Campaign, "There's no such thing as an 'un-stealable' bike. Professional thieves can break virtually any lock, and an estimated 80,000 bikes are stolen in London every year."

Find out more ways to prevent your bike from getting stolen here.

Kingston Police has been contacted about the matter.