Police have released CCTV footage of the incident in the hope a member of the public will come forward with information about the alleged perpetrator.

Police believe the man rode a bike into the City Bus Interchange about 6pm Sunday, where he attempted to steal a wheel from another bike secured to a rack at the Alinga Street end of City Walk.

A few minutes later the man stole a blue Surly Ogre brand ladies' bike from the same rack, and rode it away along Mort Street and into Bunda Street.

Police later retrieved two other bikes that had been abandoned nearby.

ACT Policing Detective Inspector Stephen Ladd reminded the community of Bikelinc, a free online platform that will help reunite a stolen and recovered bicycle with its owner.

"Bikelinc helps police quickly match any recovered bikes with a serial number and images uploaded to the site by their owner," he said.

"I would encourage all cyclists to register their bikes today to help police return your bike if it is ever lost or stolen."

Anyone with information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Please quote reference 6683991. Information can be provided anonymously.