RESIDENTS are being urged to be vigilant after an “unprecedented” number of motorcycles were stolen in a Southampton community.

In just four days a total of 11 bikes have been taken from homes and garages in the Shirley area of the city.

Now police officers are calling on members of the public to be alert and ensure they take extra precautions to protect their property.

The stolen vehicles range from 50 to 900cc which includes mopeds and high powered motorcycles.

Three of them are virtually new, according to officers.

Many of them were parked on the road and police say the criminals are targeting different areas of Shirley, particularly in the northern area.

Officers are urging owners to put their bikes in a garage, to fit an alarm, immobiliser or tracking device, use a lock and chain to anchor them to a permanent fixture, and use brake-disc locks to secure the motorcycle.

Insp John McGonigle, pictured, from the Redbridge Safer Neighbourhoods Team, said: “The bike thefts are not unusual but it is unprecedented for this amount of bikes to be stolen at this time of year.

“I would remind the public to be vigilant and report any groups of people or persons hanging around in suspicious circumstances.

“Anyone with concerns are asked to go to the Shirley Safer Neighbourhood Team for crime prevention advice.”

Bike owners are also urged to mark their vehicle and register it on immobilse.com.

Anyone with information about the thefts are asked to ring their nearest police station on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111