Do you know this man? Police appeal for information after theft of luggage from train ^ BathBritish Transport Police (BTP▸ ) officers are appealing for the public^s help to identify a man they would like to speak to in connection with the theft of a passenger^s property from a train in the Bath area.Investigators have today released
CCTV▸ images of a man they believe will have information which can assist the investigation into the theft which took place at around 6.10pm on Monday, 14 October 2013.
PC Diane Cooper, investigating officer, said: ^The victim placed his bag on the overhead racks on the 1720hrs Bristol Parkway ^ Weymouth service on Monday, 14 October. After the train had left Oldfield Park station, the victim was informed by another passenger on the train that someone had taken his luggage from the overhead racks.^
Since the theft, officers have made extensive enquiries to trace those responsible for the theft but to no avail. They are now seeking your help to identify a man they wish to speak to about this incident.
PC Cooper added: ^After reviewing CCTV footage, I would like to identify and speak to the man in these photographs as I believe he will have key information about the incident. We believe he boarded the train at Lawrence Hill station in Bristol.^
Do you know the man? Can you help BTP^s investigation?
Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016. Information can also be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. In all calls, please quote incident reference B4/WWA of 13/11/13.
Notes to Editors:BTP is warning rail commuters to ^be aware of thieves^ tactics^ as a crackdown continues against the theft of passenger property.
The Force has revealed the tactics thieves are using to steal passengers^ belongings from trains and at stations as part of Operation Magnum, a nationwide campaign to help rail passengers keep valuables safe from pickpockets, gadget-grabbers and luggage thieves.
As part of the initiative, BTP has issued video clips to help the travelling public spot 13 of the most common tricks thieves use.
Operation Magnum was launched in June, after a pilot on the London Underground earlier this year, and looks to tackle the 16% rise in theft at stations and on trains across Britain last year.
Videos featured on the Op Magnum website (
www.btp.police.uk/theft) and the BTP YouTube channel show passengers the 13 of the most common tricks thieves use.
Op Magnum is also about education; we want the public to watch our videos and know the tactics thieves use.
Top tips include keeping your luggage close by and checking on it regularly, keeping your valuables hidden if you^re going to sleep and always zipping up any hand or shoulder bags.
Unsurprisingly, mobile phones are a popular target for thieves, so try to keep yours hidden. Installing a tracker application on your smartphone could help trace your device if it^s stolen.
If you think your property has been stolen:
- Stay calm and don't panic. Report it to a member of transport staff or a police officer straight away
- Report a theft on the railway or London Underground to British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40
- In an emergency, always dial 999
Tips for keeping your property safe on trains:
- Keep purses secure and carry wallets in an inside pocket
- Zip up hand and shoulder bags
- Carry bags in front of you, with flaps against your body
- Keep straps short and bags tucked under your arm
- Don't display jewellery, mobile phones and MP3 players
- Don't show your money - keep it safely in your pocket
- Stay alert and aware of what's going on around you when using your phone in public
- Keep your luggage close by and check it regularly
