CYCLISTS at Sevenoaks Station are calling for tighter security after dozens of summer thefts.

The racks of bikes have been described as "window-shopping for thieves", with calls made for a secure shed to be installed.

Up to 100 bikes have been reported missing from stations in West Kent since April, it is understood.

Victim Alison Ashton, whose 16-year-old son's bike was stolen, wants to know why commuters at Ashford International can use a code-locked shed but Sevenoaks has just 80 open-air metal racks.

Commuters polled by the Chronicle despair at how their cycles are targeted and that thefts have become almost routine.

Mrs Ashton, from Redlands Road, said: "There's got to be an onus on Southeastern to provide a secure area. The racks are like window-shopping for thieves.

"We need a lockable shed. People are doing everything right and still their bikes are getting nicked."

She added: "A police officer told me six bikes were stolen in July – I had no idea of the scale of the problem."

Sevenoaks School pupil Nick Ashton's £950 bike went missing overnight on July 19.

Commuter Ben Clark from Seal Road, had two bikes stolen in a year from the station.

The 32-year-old said: "The first time, last year, I left my £550 bike at the station overnight.

"I treated myself to a new road bike in March for about £450. That went missing last month.

He continued: "Both times I had 'D' locks on the bikes, which is supposed to be the biggest deterrent you can have. There's no point buying a decent bike."

Peter Ringrose, of Bullfinch Lane, Riverhead, said: "I always lock my bike up twice, then one time my saddle was stolen.

"It was a very uncomfortable ride home.

"I keep my nice bike at home, and have a rusty second-hand one I leave here."

David Hacon, of Childsbridge Lane, Seal, said: "Between 9am and 5pm, bikes are vulnerable."

At Ashford, cyclists pay for daily access to the locked sheds.

Jon Hay-Campbell, of Southeastern Trains, said: "These are ideal, but we have 179 stations. It would be too costly and take too long to put them in everywhere.

"We work with British Transport Police to minimise the risks of theft and our own staff patrol stations when they can."

Meanwhile, a teenager is due in court charged with eight counts of stealing bikes from stations.

Gavin Brown, of British Transport Police, said: "The counts relate to incidents at Paddock Wood, West Malling, Sevenoaks and Borough Green rail stations between June and July."

George Yelding, 18, of Lime Road, Swanley, will appear at Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, August 18. Under his bail conditions, he must not go within 50m of any railway station in Kent.