From the British Transport Police
press release:
CCTV released as investigation continues into cycle theft ^ Great MalvernBritish Transport Police (BTP▸ ) officers are appealing for information after a bike was stolen from Great Malvern railway station.Officers have today released CCTV images of two people they would like to speak to in connection with the incident which took place between 6pm on Tuesday, 10 September and 3.30pm the following day, Wednesday, 11 September 2013.
PC Carol Dade, BTP investigating officer, said: ^The victim, a 15-year-old youth from Malvern, secured his blue and white-coloured Apollo mountain bike secured at the cycle racks at Great Malvern railway station. When he returned the following day, he discovered it had been taken from the cycle racks.
^We have undertaken extensive enquiries already, including speaking to witnesses, circulating images on police systems and reviewing CCTV. I am now appealing to members of the public to come forward if they recognise either of the people pictured as we believe they can both assist our enquiries.^
PC Dade added: ^Unfortunately, bicycles remain a desirable target for many thieves at train stations. However, BTP is cracking down on this type of crime and we have a dedicated team of officers specifically focused on tackling this issue. We are undertaking 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 you down. We are also working closely with cycle and second-hand shops in the area and are monitoring online auction and advertising sites to make it more difficult for thieves to sell on stolen property.^
Anyone with information should call British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016. Alternatively the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111. In all calls please quote incident reference B7/WWA of 22/11/13.
ADVICE FOR KEEPING YOUR BIKE SAFE AND SECURE:
^ Bicycles are a popular target for thieves. Here are some simple tips to ensure your cycle remains secure:
^ Always lock your bicycle whenever you leave it at a designated cycle rack area. Lock the frame and both wheels to a cycle stand.
^ Consider using more than one lock to secure your bike and ensure that you use a recognised security standard lock. D-locks, extension cable or heavy chain locks are certified locking mechanisms. It is important to ensure that yours are up to date.
^ Make the lock(s) and bike hard to manoeuvre when parked by ensuring little room between the stand and the bike.
^ Do not allow your lock(s) to come into contact with the ground, where they are viewed as more vulnerable.
^ Take a photograph of your bike and record your frame number and key details. This will be crucial in recovering your bike if it is stolen.
^ Mark your frame with your postcode in two separate locations, one of which should be hidden. Attach a ^Coded Cycle^ label to reduce the risk of making your bike a target for theft.
^ Do not ride with valuables in open baskets or panniers.
^ Register your bicycle at
www.immobilise.com or
www.bikeregister.com If I may add my personal observation to this police appeal:
I'd rather like to think that it will be possible to get this poor lad's bike back. He did quite the right thing, in securing it to the cycle racks at Great Malvern station - only to find his bike had been stolen when he went to collect it the next day.
While the quality of this particular cctv image is, quite frankly, appalling, I nevertheless hope that we can help the police with their ongoing enquiries in this case.
Thanks, CfN.
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