Ian Ford is sector inspector of the Huntingdon area for Cambridgeshire Police. He will be giving weekly updates on activities in and around the town.

Welcome to the first of my regular fortnightly updates where I can share current information regarding policing matters in your neighbourhood.

I am the sector inspector for the wider Huntingdon area and have responsibility for managing three Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPT) being; Huntingdon and district, Oxmoor and Hartford and also the geographically largest, North West Huntingdon area.

I also have responsibility for the Rural Community Action Team (RCAT) who are based at Sawtry but have a force-wide responsibility for rural crime and associated matters.

The herald of warmer weather and longer daylight hours brings seasonal challenges in respect of anti-social behaviour and crime trends.

Although both April and May have seen really positive overall crime level reductions across the sector, in comparison with 2010, there has been an increase in criminal damage and also theft of pedal cycles.

In respect of the latter, 24 bicycles have been stolen in the Huntingdon area alone during May, at a combined cost of in excess of �6,800. On several occasions owners have left bicycles insecure outside shops and houses, making it very easy for opportunist thieves to strike.

Cyclists can take simple and cheap crime prevention measures which will help to keep their property safe. Lock bikes, through the frame, to substantial, fixed objects with good-quality locks, remove quick-release parts, ensure cycles are postcoded and consider registering them on www.immobilise.com, which will help us to return the cycle to you when it is recovered.

If you have any information about cycle crime please contact the Neighbourhood Policing Team on 0345 456 456 4 or you can provide information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

If you wish to learn more about your local policing team or receive regular e-mail updates via E-cops visit the Cambridgeshire Constabulary website at www.camps.police.uk.