Police have issued a warning to motorbike owners after a spate of thefts across Maidstone.

In the space of a day five motorcycles and mopeds have been taking from residential areas in the south of the town.

Officers are urging witnesses to come forward.

The first theft happened between 8.30pm on Sunday, August 13 and 10am the following day, when a Honda WW125 motorbike and clothing were taken from the front garden in Wootton Close.

Over the same night between 9.30pm and 6am, a Yamaha Verago 750 motorbike was taken from a front garden in Hastings Road.

Police were also informed a Yamaha WR 125X had been stolen by two people from a front garden in Highcroft Green just before 3pm on Monday. It was later found burnt out in Park Wood Walk.

Two teenagers were also spotted stealing a Honda CB125F motorcycle from Cumberland Avenue at 4.45am on Monday. They were described as wearing a hooded top and a black jacket. The motorbike was abandoned nearby.

A Sinnis Harrier moped was also reportedly stolen from a driveway in Quarry Road between 2am and 2.18am on the same morning.

Inspector Rachael Cumberland of Maidstone Police’s Community Support Unit said: "I would urge motorcycle and moped owners who cannot park in a garage or other building to secure their motorbikes and mopeds to an anchor point in the ground.

"You should also take any clothing, helmets or navigation devices into your house overnight."

Anyone with information that can help is asked to contact Kent Police on 01622 604100 quoting reference YY/23091/17. Alternatively contact Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.