From the
BTP▸ press release:
British Transport Police has issued CCTV▸ stills in connection with an ongoing enquiry into a robbery in which a man was threatened by thieves who stole his mountain bike.
The victim, a 27-year-old man from Slough, had advertised his ^1300 Marin mountain bike on the Gumtree classified ads website in October.
On the evening of 12 October he was contacted at around 7pm by a man who claimed to be from Twickenham who said he was interested in buying the bike.
The pair agreed to meet at around 9.15pm at Slough station to complete the sale in the main booking hall of the station.
After testing out the bike the man, described as black and aged in his early to mid 20s, then made off with it and exited towards a small car park on the other side of the road opposite the station.
The owner gave chase and just after he crossed the road a second man stepped in front of him and threatened him with a knife.
Both men then left the scene and turned right from the station, heading off in the direction of the o2 building.
BTP investigating officer, Detective Constable Martin Coburn, said that officers had carried out an extensive review of CCTV footage and had isolated two images of people they wish to speak with in connection with the incident.
^Anyone who recognises the men in these images is encouraged to come forward and talk to us,^ said Det Con Coburn. ^This was a frightening experience for the victim, who had turned up in good faith to sell his bike to someone who he thought was a genuine buyer. He agreed to meet him in a well-lit, public place and was subsequently threatened by a second man who was carrying a knife.^
^If at all possible for safety reasons it is advisable to take a friend with you when selling items to a seller you have met online,^ added Det Con Coburn. ^If you are unable to bring someone with you, then at the very least make sure that you meet in a public place and let someone know where you are going to make the sale.^
Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 and quote incident B09/126795/2009.
Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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