POLICE have arrested four men in connection with a spate of bike thefts across Stirling and Clackmannanshire.

Officers raided a number of properties in the Raploch area last Friday (24 April) and recovered several stolen bicycles.

The operation was informed by local intelligence as part of ongoing efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour.

A police spokesperson said the four males were arrested on a variety of offences.

More than 70 bicycles have been stolen in the Stirling and Clackmannanshire areas since the start of March.

Officers have reiterated their warning to local residents not to accept a ‘rogue’s bargain’ following reports that a £2500 bike was sold for £20.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “It will be obvious to anyone being offered these bikes, by virtue of their sale price, that they are stolen and it is a criminal offence to knowingly purchase stolen property.

“Whether property is stolen can often be ascertained from the circumstances surrounding the purchase, with a key aspect being the price paid for the goods.

“One bike, valued at £2500, that we recovered during the operation was sold locally for £20.

“If you have purchased a bike recently and, on reading this article, now suspect it may be stolen I would urge you to contact Police Scotland.

“Likewise, if you know of anyone who has or who you believe has purchased a stolen bike, please call.” The spokesperson added: “In times of austerity, it may be tempting to accept a “rogues bargain”, however, the impact of the initial theft on the victim is significant.

“Local residents have had their sheds broken into and their homes targeted by those responsible for these thefts, and the subsequent sale of the bikes.

“No ‘bargain’ can justify this, and those who buy stolen property from these individuals only encourage them to commit further crime.” Anyone with any concerns about stolen bike can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where they can give information anonymously.