A DISTINCTIVE £4,000 mountain bike has been stolen from a garden in Taunton.

The hand-built bike was taken on Monday (February 10) from Maxwell Street.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said: “Enquiries suggest that the stolen bike has already been sold and we would appeal to anyone who has bought the bike, or seen it being ridden, to contact us.”

It is a full-suspension Specialized mountain bike with a black, white, green, red and blue frame.

It has a white, red and grey seat and various stickers on it including one which says ‘Bike Tart’.

It has blue handlebars and a white Canadian leaf on the brakes. The wheels have a single red spoke with ‘All American Classic’ written on the wheels, hydraulic disc brakes and fox rear suspension.

The spokesman added: “There are some easy steps you can take to secure your garden and reduce theft.

“Restrict access to your garden by using gates on side passages and securing them with strong hinges and a decent padlock, and consider prickly plants within shrubbery to deter thieves.

“Chain bikes and other garden machinery/tools together or secure bikes to a ground anchor in a shed – and make sure the shed is locked securely.”

Anyone with information about the theft should contact Avon and Somerset Police on 101 and quote 14273/14.

Alternatively, phone the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. They never ask your name or trace your call.