YOUNGSTERS at a Newton Aycliffe primary school got their bikes marked in a police clampdown on thefts.

About 65 bicycles and scooters were given protective markings at Aycliffe Village Primary School today (Monday, March 10).

PCSO Richard Scott, of Newton Aycliffe police, said: “The message we want to get across is don’t leave your bike insecure and left outside even for half an hour as there are people out there targeting these bikes.”

The project, which helps identify cycles and reunite them with their owners if stolen, is part of Durham Police’s Operation Spoke.

Anyone wishing to get their bikes marked is invited along to the former BHP solicitors’ office in Newton Aycliffe town centre on Saturday, March 15, between noon and 4pm.