Officers are reminding residents to be vigilant after a number of bike thefts in West Kent.

Thieves have targeted outbuildings in areas including Sevenoaks and Maidstone over the last week.

They have stolen bikes and valuable gardening equipment from garages and sheds.

Between Saturday and Tuesday, two bicycles, including a black Marin mountain bike, were taken from a shed in Seal Road, Sevenoaks, after a door was forced open.

A red and white Principia Ellipse bike was among two bikes stolen after thieves broke a lock on a garage in Loose Road, Maidstone, between Wednesday and yesterday.

Maidstone District Commander, Inspector Jody Gagan-Cook said: "With Christmas gifts such as bikes and scooters being stored in garages and sheds, now is the time to be thinking about what security measures you have in place to protect your property.

"Bicycles, power tools and gardening equipment are some of the most common targets but there are a number of steps residents can take to avoid falling prey to opportunist thieves.

"I would also encourage residents to contact their local PCSO to arrange a time for their bike to be security marked and to use strong locks to help secure the outbuildings."