Police are urging cyclists to get in touch if their bicycle is vandalised after a spate of incidents.

The sight of twisted bicycles with misshapen wheels and bent frames has become common on the streets of Brighton and Hove.

Now police want to hear from anyone who has been the victim of bike vandalism to try and establish whether or not a serious trend has developed.

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said: “We take vandalism to bikes just as seriously as damage to any other property such as cars and homes.

“It might not seem like a major thing to people and something that they wouldn't want to report to the police but we would urge them to do so.”

The problem has become a hot topic for discussion on the internet.

Artist Jim Manson, 55, who works in Brighton, posted a picture of a vandalised bike and wrote about his feelings about the problem on his blog.

He wrote: “Even though I don’t ride now I still have a strong emotional attachment to bikes. Feeling this way means that working in Brighton is a day-to-day kick in the teeth. Because every single day I am forced to witness the result of a random and unprovoked attack against a bicycle.”

He added: “At any rate it seems Brighton is both a city of bicycles and bicycle haters. Its bent and buckled bikes testimony to its nastier side.”

Speaking to The Argus he said: “I think it reflects badly on the city, especially as Brighton is a ‘bike-friendly’ city.”

Adam Pride, secretary of Brighton cycling group Bricycles, said: “There is a police initiative to stop thefts but as far as I know there's nothing to try and stop vandalism.

“There is quite an active anti-bike theft group in Brighton which involves the police, the council and other interested groups such as Bricycles.

“If someone sees vandalism they can report it to the police but quite often it happens when no one is around.”

To deter thieves and vandals, Sussex Police advise people to ensure their bike is secured with a quality lock and out of public view when not in use.

If your bicycle has been vandalised or stolen you should contact Sussex Police on 0845 6070999.

For more information about bike security and safety, visit www.sussex.police.uk