The device is the brainchild of PC Dave Fairbrother

A cutting edge locking device called the WASP (Wireless Asset Security Protection), is being trialled at Portsmouth's university campus.

Students and staff can lock up their bicycles in two safety racks, then call or text to activate a guarding system.

If the bicycle is moved, a sensor gives out a silent alarm which triggers a CCTV camera to record the act.

The university's police liaison officer Dave Fairbrother said: "With this technology we will always be watching."

Huge problem

The innovative bicycle lock was conceived by the police officer who became fed up with seeing hundreds of students' bicycles stolen.

"Bicycle theft is a huge problem and in the past it was often luck if a thief was caught," he said.

Each person with one of the locks has their photo taken. That image flashes up on guards' screens when their bike is moved.

The campus is a hotspot for bike thefts, in the first two weeks of the students' return last year 30 bikes were stolen.

On average, more than 1,000 bicycles are stolen in Portsmouth each year.

Award-winning

Students and staff will try out the system for four weeks at two designated safety zone bicycle racks on the campus.

Cyclists who wish to keep using the device after the trial can pay around £8 to rent a lock for a year.

PC Fairbrother put the lock and technology together with a Winchester technology firm. They have won a Home Office innovation award for the device.