Police are urging bicycle owners to take simple crime prevention measures to reduce their chances of becoming a victim of bicycle theft.

Police issued the advice after a co-ordinated day of action, targeting cycle theft in the capital.

Ten people were arrested across south London as police in Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham, Greenwich, Croydon, Bromley and Bexley carried out operations and crime prevention activities.

Officers carried out spot checks at local pawn shops where thieves may be trying to sell on stolen bicycles, while high visibility and plain clothes patrols took place at cycle theft hot spots.

Latest Met crime figures for the financial year 2013/14 show cycle theft has fallen in the Capital by nine per cent (nearly 2000 less offences) compared with the previous 12 month period.

Bicycle owners are asked to:

- Make it difficult for thieves, it only takes a few seconds to cut poor quality locks, use gold Sold Secure standard locks when securing your bicycle

- Park your bicycle at secure cycle parking, which should be well lit and covered by CCTV - locking the frame and both wheels to the stand

- When parking you bicycle, take parts that are easy to remove with you, such as saddles and wheels or use secure skewers

- Mark & register your bicycle on BikeRegister - a visible deterrent to bike thieves. Google 'cycle marking in London' for details of events

- Registering your bike helps police and retailers identify and verify the legitimate owner of bikes that have been stolen or are being resold. A visible security marking on your bike deters potential thieves as your bike can be easily traced if it is stolen

- The MPS have selected BikeRegister as the preferred cycle register for London

- Keep a record of the details of your bicycle such as the frame number, BikeRegister number, other distinguishing features, and take a photo

- Don't buy a stolen second-hand bicycle. Insist on proof of ownership and check the bike frame number at BikeRegister

- If your bicycle is stolen, contact the police, giving them your frame and BikeRegister number, photo and any other details.