The Police are to be commended for their vigilance and professionalism in dealing with cycle thefts, an insurance company spokesman said yesterday.

And the news that 35 cycles were stolen last week was little cause for alarm because it is too soon to tell if any trend towards greater cycle thefts has begun.

Ross Hillen, vice president of underwriting and claims at BF&M, told The Royal Gazette yesterday: "We are at the lowest point we have been for the last few years when it comes to cycle thefts in August.

"I have seen absolutely no evidence in the last few weeks of any increase or any trend to suggest any increase. We had no claims last week, one the week before and one the week before that.'' Mr. Hillen said he attributed the improved state of affairs to the Bermuda Police Service's detective work that has led to the recovery of these stolen vehicles.

"It is my view that it is the Police's focus, vigilance and success in apprehending some of the perpetrators that has resulted in a reduction.'' Meanwhile, The Royal Gazette was unable to reach Colonial Insurance general manager William Madeiros for comment yesterday.

The most recent figures to be released from the Police Service showed that 35 cycles were taken from all over the Island.

Of that number one was recovered. A further six cycles were recovered that had been taken on a previous occasions.

In June, a Police spokesperson said that cycle thefts overall were showing a downward trend.

From January 1 until May 31, 1997, 375 cycles had been stolen compared to 791 for the same period in 1994, 787 in 1995 and 481 in 1996.