WEST Yorkshire Police has reported a 12.7 per cent reduction in bicycle thefts over the past year.

The force has also revealed it is putting in place a partnership with Bradford Council to hold bike marking events across the district to help deter thieves from stealing bicycles. 

West Yorkshire Police already works with Leeds City Council to hold bike marking events.

Over the last 12 months, there has been a 15.5 per cent reduction in reported bike thefts in the Leeds district.

Force crime prevention officer Paul Denison said: "The reductions we have seen equate to around 280 less bikes being stolen.  

"Marking and registering your bike acts as a deterrent to thieves as it makes your bike harder to sell on and therefore much less attractive a prospect."