A number of people have been left stranded after thieves stole their motorbikes.

Between January 15 and March 7, 23 people from across St Albans, Harpenden and London Colney had their bikes stolen.

On Tuesday, a red Honda motorbike was stolen from Peter's Avenue in London Colney between 9pm and 10pm.

Between midnight and 7am on Monday another motorbike was stolen from Watling Street. From 10am to 10.30am a moped was stolen from an address in Watling View.

A black Peugeot moped was stolen from Norris Close, in London Colney, between 1.45pm and 2.45pm. Another Yamaha moped was taken from an address in Lower Luton Road, on February 27, between 10.25am and 10.50am.

From 9.30pm on February 27 and 5.50am on February 28, a motorbike was stolen from Seaton Road, in London Colney.

St Albans District Detective Inspector Pete Frost said: “I want to let residents know about this unusual spate of thefts, so they can take precautions to safeguard their motorbikes by following simple crime prevention advice.

“I would encourage them to sign up to Neighbourhood Watch by signing up to OWL (via owl.co.uk) so they can find out about crimes quickly via email.

"I would also be interested to hear from residents who have seen people acting suspiciously around motorcycles or anyone who knows where they are being taken to.

“In the majority of offences, the offender rides off on the bike. Some of the bikes are secured with a lock, whilst others have been left insecure. It is also possible some are being lifted into vans.

"I would urge local residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity.”