POLICE are offering motorcyclists a £40 chain and padlock for a fiver in a bid to combat bike theft.

The Sword chain and Blaster padlock, which usually cost £39.99, are available for £5 from Sussex Police.

The force has teamed up with a motorcycle dealership to offer 50 of the security chains to owners of bikes up to 125cc on a first-come-first-served basis.

A force spokesman said: ‘Anyone interested should go to the front office at Hastings Police Station in Bohemia Road, St Leonards, taking with them their V5 document, certificate of insurance and driving licence, and they will be given a voucher to exchange at Hastings Motorcycle Centre in Beaconsfield Road, Hastings.’

The force is also running a sting operation by planting a 125cc bike in theft hotspots to lure thieves.

Sergeant Dave Townsend said: ‘This is just one of the many options we are using to reduce the number of motorcycle thefts in our town.

‘Only recently we've worked with local business JS Gedge of Silchester Road and Old London Road which has supplied a 125cc motorcycle that we are currently using as a bait bike across hotspot areas in the town.

‘The neighbourhood policing team is working hard to educate, especially young motorcycle riders, about crime prevention techniques to prevent them from becoming victims of crime.

‘Learning to ride, buying a motorcycle with the necessary accessories and insurance costs a fair amount of money. Do take this opportunity of being one of the 50 lucky people who buy a really good quality lock and chain to secure their 50cc or 125cc motorcycle. It is first come, first served, so don't miss out.’