POLICE are warning cyclists to lock up their bikes in the run up to Christmas.

Officers in Blackburn say there has been an increase in the number of bikes stolen recently.

Three bikes were taken on Tuesday.

A blue and silver bike worth £150 was taken from outside Mill Hill Community Centre at 6.25pm.

Five minutes later a black Boss bike was stolen from Crosby Road and a dark blue Apollo Vendetta mountain bike worth £400 was taken from Emily Street at 8.20pm.

Police are warning people not to leave bikes unattended and to make sure they are locked with a chain.