Cyclists in Maidstone can have their bicycles marked for free by the police next month.

Police community support officers will be in Jubilee Square on Saturday, August 9 between 10am and 4pm.

Whilst there they will place security marks on bikes. These can help deter bike thieves.

Staff from Cycles UK will also be on hand to offer free bike safety checks to those who attend.

The Urban Blue Bus will also be present, as will a police contact point.

Similar events have taken place in Tonbridge throughout the year and over 100 bikes have been protected.

PCSO Caroline Honeysett said: “We regularly seize items that we believe are stolen and if those items have been protectively marked then we can identify the owner and return their items.

“Getting your bike marked and investing in other security measures such as a good quality lock means that thieves will find it more and more difficult to strike, and that is good news for everyone.”