According to the report by Matlock Mercury, this is because criminals in the region have been cutting the fuel lines of motorbikes and then draining them of fuel.

Sources say that many bikers could see this as a particular problem if they plan on keeping their bike insurance policies down. This is because cover firms could view the incidents as indicative of a dangerous place to own a vehicle and increase cover costs as a result.

At the same time PC John Riley from Derbyshire Police has commented that people in the region need to make sure that their vehicles are secure whenever they leave them.

In a statement PC Riley said: “There have been several reported incidents of fuel thefts in Matlock and we would urge people to be vigilant and report anyone seen acting suspiciously around cars or motorcycles.”

Matlock is a town in Derbyshire which has a population of just fewer than 10,000, according to the latest census results. Additional reports show that the town is twinned with Eaubonne in France.