VICTIMS of a surge in bike thefts have called for action amid fears gangs of thieves are targetting the town.

More bicycles were been stolen in Bicester in the first seven months of this year alone – 76 – than in the whole of 2016.

James Bond, of Woodfield Road, is worried the rise in numbers could be the work of a gang after his Carrera bike, worth about £350, was snatched outside a friend's home in Roman Way on September 12.

He said: "I regularly visit my friend and always park my bike up behind the house.

"On that Tuesday my friend had gone and got my bike and brought it round to the front door whilst I put my shoes on.

"In the two minutes while I was putting my shoes on it was gone, someone had stolen it.

"It is just so upsetting.

"I use it to go everywhere, it is my life and now somebody has taken it."

Mr Bond is the latest in a long line of people who have reported their bicycles as stolen over recent months.

Latest figures from the Home Office – which cover the period from January to July this year – showed 76 bikes were stolen.

The figure is double the number recorded in the first seven months of last year, and surpasses the 68 thefts in the whole of 2016.

Mr Bond said: "Something needs to be done to stop this happening, you see so many people saying their bike has been stolen.

"It makes you wonder if it is a gang behind it, I really do think so and as it is getting towards Christmas it is a worry.

"I just want to put a stop to it and want to community to get behind the campaign to help."

Many victims who have been targeted have reported thieves cutting through locks to make off with their bikes.

Deborah Tugwood said: "My bike was stolen from the bike racks at Bicester Village in August, another lady's was taken the same time.

"My bike was locked and I thought it would be safe.

"I was so upset as I use my bike every day to get to work.

"The police were very helpful and came to my house to take a statement but sadly my bike hasn't been found.

"I think Bicester needs more security and and a stronger police presence [to help stop the rise]."

Staff at town centre bike shop Broadribb Cycles Bicester, in Sheep Street, said they have noticed a 'massive' rise in customers complaining of the thefts.

Distributor David Holloway said: "Unfortunately with the rise of cordless technology it is easier for people to carry round grinders and bolt cutters to get through locks.

"There has been a massive rise in Bicester as we are seeing lots go missing.

"There are things you can do such as locking it up in a public place, locking all the accessories such as front and rear wheels using a D lock and ultimately making your bicycle look difficult to steal."

The police offer bike tagging, which sees bikes marked up with their owners' details in case of them being stolen or abandoned.

Thames Valley Police spokesman Jack Abell said: "Officers are continuing to do proactive work to combat the crimes.

"This includes promoting awareness among the public about effectively securing bicycles, as well as ongoing work to disrupt and deter offenders."

He said the force would not comment on whether or not the spike in thefts was down to the work of gangs.