Railway station bike thefts -Police appeal for info

British Transport Police (BTP) has released images of five people officers would like to speak to in connection with a series of cycle thefts.

Investigators are calling on the public to help identify the individuals, as they believe they may have information vital to their enquiries.

Police would like to speak to this man in connection with the theft of a bike at Prestatyn railway station on Monday, 2 June.

The victim secured his bike to the cycle rack between platform 1 and 2, but when he returned later that day, his bike – which was worth around £1,000 – and the key lock used to secure it, was missing.

Meanwhile, investigating officers are appealing for help in identifying these three men, who they would like to speak to in connection with three separate bike thefts at Wrexham General railway station.

The thefts occurred on 6, 17 and 19 May, and the bikes were worth around £3,000 in total.

Unfortunately, bicycles remain a desirable target for many thieves at train stations. However, BTP is cracking down on this type of crime and has a dedicated team of officers specifically focused on tackling the issue.

Officers are carrying out a variety of initiatives to catch thieves in the act. They are also working closely with cycle and second-hand shops and monitoring online auction and advertising sites to make it more difficult for thieves to sell on stolen property.

Detective Sergeant Guy Ellis, of British Transport Police, said: “There are lots of things people can do to lessen their chances of becoming a victim of bike theft, like ensuring their property is adequately marked and secured. If a bike is adequately marked, it makes it much easier to identify and therefore helps reduce the risk of theft.

“BTP officers regularly conduct cycle crime awareness surgeries at stations to offer crime prevention advice. We also undertake plain clothes and high profile operations to catch thieves in the act. Thieves should also be aware that most cycle racks are covered by CCTV, so it’s only a matter of time before we track them down.”

Can you identify any of the men in these photographs? Do you know their current whereabouts? If so, please get in touch.

Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police on0800 40 50 40 or text 61016 quoting background referenceWSUB/B6 of 17/06/2014. Information can also be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.