CYCLISTS can get their bikes marked for free at an event in Headington today.

Thames Valley Police is working with the company Bike Register to offer the service to cyclists.

All bikes will be marked with specially designed security marking kits and then registered online.

This can deter thieves from stealing the bike and will also enable the owner to be reunited with the model if it is taken.

The move comes after a surge in the number of bike thefts reported to the police with 932 incidents reported in the Oxford city area up to May last year.

The event will be running at Headington Farmers Market in London Road from 10 am until 2pm.