HAMPSHIRE police have launched a crackdown on stolen bikes with a raid on a Southampton property involving 30 officers.

The warrant was carried out on Helvellyn Road in the Millbrook area of the city and involved officers from Southampton and Shirley neighbourhood policing teams.

The raid was organised as part of Operation D Lock, a Southampton based operation focussing on cycle security awareness and targeting those suspected of being involved in theft.

As a result of the action, two men aged 25 and 27 were arrested on suspicion of theft of pedal cycles and questioned by police.

Sergeant Martin Conlan from Southampton Central Police Station, said: “We take cycle theft very seriously; our aim is to protect property whilst making Southampton a hostile place for criminals to steal cycles. You will begin to see new cycle theft prevention initiatives over the coming months under Operation D-Lock.

“The support we receive from the local community is vital in helping us make our communities safer and every piece of information is greatly appreciated. Please continue to contact us with any information about suspicious activity that you may be aware of."

The two men both from Southampton were later released on police bail until November 25.

Officers are also encouraging the public to look at the Hampshire Constabulary Flickr site, where an album has been setup showing a number of the cycles recovered.