TAUNTON has been named as the worst place to leave your bike in Somerset.

That is according to new research conducted by online coaching programme Thighs Club, using data from crimerate.co.uk.

It revealed a substantial 286 reported bicycle thefts, putting Taunton at an alarming theft rate of 4.51 and topping the list of worst places for bike theft in the region.

Bridgwater was only slightly safer, reporting 104 thefts and a dismal theft rate of 2.76.

Next on the list is Weston-super-Mare, with 141 reported thefts and a theft rate of 1.59, followed closely by Bath with 153 thefts and a theft rate of 1.48.

Other crime hotspots included Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge, Glastonbury, Yeovil, Keynsham and Minehead rounding out the top ten.

On a positive note, Shepton Mallet, Yatton and Yeovil were celebrated for having no reported bike thefts.

These are the safest locations for cyclists wishing to lock up their bikes unattended in Somerset.

Other safe havens include Clevedon, reporting a mere one theft and a low theft rate of 0.05, and Midsomer Norton with only one reported theft and a virtually negligible theft rate of 0.08.

The founder of Thighs Club and former British cyclist, Alex Dowsett expressed his disappointment on the bicycle thefts in Somerset.

He said: "As an elite cyclist who depends on my bike, seeing the bicycle thefts across Somerset is truly disheartening."

He advised cyclists to invest in quality locks, including a sturdy U-lock coupled with a cable for securing both wheels and the frame.

Mr Dowsett also urged cyclists to register their bicycles on databases like BikeRegister and Immobilise, and advised against leaving bikes unattended for prolonged periods.

He continued: "Don't leave it unattended for long stretches.

"And check if your home insurance covers bicycle theft."

Finally, Alex Dowsett encouraged collective vigilance and prompt action to make Somerset streets safer for the local cycling community.