According to the latest weekly figures, a total of 41 cycles were stolen in the week just ended.

In September, the highest weekly number of thefts recorded was 35, while in July the weekly figures were generally less than half the latest figures.

A Police spokesman said yesterday: "It appears this week has been higher than the average of the last couple of months.

"I don't know why that should be. There is nothing specific we can attribute it to.'' And he added that the figures stressed the need to use good quality locks on bikes -- even when parked at people's homes. The spokesman said: "We advise owners to lock their cycles every time they're left. This includes their own driveways. We recommend the Kryptonite-type locks.

"It's a myth that bikes are only stolen in Hamilton -- they're stolen from private residences as well.'' In the week ending yesterday, seven motorcycles, 22 auxiliary cycles and 12 livery cycles were stolen.

Only four of them were stolen from within the city limits, all from Front Street. Fourteen were taken from Pembroke, six from Southampton, four each in Warwick, Paget and Hamilton Parish, three from Devonshire and two from Smith's. Only one cycle was stolen from St. George's.

Stolen cycles: Page 3