More than 20 cycles have been stolen in quite a small area since June 4th - averaging two per day.

Some have been taken from sheds and garages in Hemdean Road, Balmore Drive, Notley Place, Wilwyne Close, Surley Row, Chiltern Road, Peppard Road and from the main shopping precinct at Emmer Green.

Overnight on Tuesday alone, seven were taken from sheds and garages. On Saturday two young girls were seen in floods of tears at the shopping precinct after their cycles were stolen in a matter of minutes while they went into a shop.

Insp Penny Mackenzie, of Caversham neighbourhood policing team, said: “I would like anyone with any information on these thefts to contact me. If you see anything suspicious, such as your neighbour who never used to have a bike suddenly riding round on one, or if you are offered a cheap bike for sale, then contact us.

"As always, you should ensure your sheds and garages are secure, and ideally also lock your bike securely while it is stored in them.

"Please make a note of make, model, frame number of your bike and ideally take a photo. While some people would be less concerned than others about getting their bike back, if we find the property we need to prove it’s been stolen and unless it’s identifiable we can’t do that.

"We need to prove it’s stolen in order to prosecute offenders – if we can’t, they are free to possibly steal again.

"On Friday a member of the public brought a bike they found in Balmore Park to us at Reading police station. It turned out to be one which was stolen in a burglary at Wilwynne Close. We were really pleased to reunite the bike with the owner.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact police via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. You can also speak to one of your neighbourhood policing team on the same number. If you do not want to speak to the police, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.