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A persistent thief from Borehamwood has been banned from entering bike storage areas at any railway station in England and Wales for three years following a successful application for an antisocial behaviour order (ASBO) by British Transport Police (BTP).

Jamie Watson, 30, was handed the ASBO today (Wednesday, 16 June) at Central Hertfordshire Magistrates Court, St Albans, after he was originally spotted in broad daylight by another passenger stealing a bike from Harpenden station.

During the investigation, it was discovered that he had also stolen a further four bikes from Harlington and Bedford stations between 3 and 30 March 2010.

Magistrates granted the ASBO, which also precludes him from travelling either alone or with other people with an adult bike or with bolt-cropping tools anywhere in England and Wales.

In addition, Watson is not allowed within three-feet of any designated bike parking or storage area throughout the country.

PC Tim Tubbs, investigating officer from BTP, said that on Tuesday 30 March 2010, Watson was seen and reported by a member of the public taking a bike from Harpenden station before catching a train heading towards London. At this point First Capital Connect^s (FCC) Edmonton CCTV centre began to liaise with PC Dan O^Halloran and PCSO Mark Xavier, who were on patrol near-by, in order to locate Watson,^ said PC Tubbs. ^CCTV operators spotted him on a London-bound train and when Watson got off at St Albans, the two officers were there to arrest him.^

The officers searched his bag and found Watson to be in possession of the locks that were broken off from the bike at Harpenden and a pair of bolt croppers. He was further arrested for going equipped to steal.

A search then took place at Watson^s home address where a bike was found, which he later admitted that he had stolen from Bedford station.

PC Tubbs said: ^During interview, Watson admitted to stealing the bike at Harpenden and that he had noticed the member of public but continued to steal the bike anyway. He also admitted that he had stolen a further three bikes from Bedford and one from Harlington and sold three of the bikes, raising ^420 in total.^

Further analysis of CCTV revealed that Watson had visited Bedford station on 8 March, which confirmed that he had stolen one of the bikes.

PC Tubbs added: ^This was a thorough investigation and it was aided right at the beginning by effective communications between FCC^s CCTV centre and two of our officers. We will continue to work closely with the train operators in bringing offenders such as Watson to justice and will push for the strongest penalties in the courts.^

Keith Jipps, FCC's Head of Customer Services, said: "Cycle theft is generally low on the railway and will be even lower now that this prolific thief has been caught and prosecuted. Together with the BTP we are committed to further improving security and carrying out operations to highlight our zero tolerance approach to bicycle crime."

At court he pleaded guilty to five thefts and in addition to the ASBO, Watson received a 18-week sentence that has been suspended for two years, an unpaid work order of 80 hours, a supervision requirement and has to attend a Probation Service 'Thinking Skills' programme. He was also ordered to pay ^250 in compensation and ^85 in costs.

Anyone who sees Watson breaching the conditions of his ASBO should contact BTP on 0800 40 50 40.

At court he pleaded guilty to five thefts and in addition to the ASBO, Watson ... has to attend a Probation Service 'Thinking Skills' programme.