How can you protect your bicycle against theft?

Protect your bike against theft Credit: ITV News Central

Each year, bikes worth tens of thousands of pounds are stolen from homes, garages, and off the streets in the West Midlands. Very few of them are ever returned to their owners.

It has led to riders' efforts to guard their bikes against theft becoming more hightech, as many end up being sold online.

Ben Wickham had six bikes stolen and just days later, they were for sale on advertising site Gumtree.

While bike crime is falling officials say owners can help protect theirs by registering it.

The Gumtree website has an advert warning users about spotting stolen bikes which are up for sale, as Sam Diamond explains.

Police are now warning those who use GPS not to share their routes online as it can pin-point where riders keep their bikes.

With cycling so popular, thieves will continue to try and find ways to cash in on the sport.

Find out what bike theft is like in your area here