Can you name suspects in Leicester train station bike thefts probe?
Police have urged the public to help them identify people they believe stole bikes from the Leicester's railway station.
The suspects have been linked to thefts from the London Road station earlier this year.
British Transport Police, (BTP), released the images yesterday in the hope of tracing suspects.
The people in the four images have been linked to three thefts and include a man and woman who officers believe worked together to steal a commuter's bike.
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In each case, the bicycles were locked and attached to the station's cycle racks. The thieves cut through the security chains and rode them away.
Chief Inspector Derek O'Mara said: "Officers investigating each of these cases have followed multiple lines of inquiry and circulated these images on police intelligence systems to try to get names for these people, but to no avail.
"We're now asking for help from members of the public to identify them. If you know any of these people and can tell us who they are, we want to hear from you.
"Thieves should be aware that the majority of cycle racks are now monitored by CCTV and patrolled by plainclothed officers, so the likelihood of getting caught is high."
Chris Watkins, 34, of Clarendon Park, Leicester regularly leaves his bike at the station when he commutes to London or Loughborough.
He said: "I know a lot of cyclists who've had their bikes stolen, including one friend who had a very expensive mountain bike taken from the railway station last year.
"The best way to secure your bike is to invest in a good quality D-lock. I don't know anyone who has lost out when they've had one of those."
Jane Pritchard, 24, also regularly leaves her bike at the station.
Ms Pritchard, of Aylestone, said: "The railway station seems much more secure since it was refurbished, because the new racks are so much better."
A spokesperson for East Midlands Trains, which runs the station, said cycle racks had been installed during the recent refurbishment. They enable cyclists to secure their bike frame and both wheels with a single lock.
A spokeswoman said: "This new design will provide even more security for passengers choosing to store their bikes at Leicester station."
General police cycle security advice includes:
Get your bike tagged and register it at :
www.bikeregister.com
Invest in a good quality lock.
Always lock it through its frame, not just through the wheel.
Fix it to solid, immovable objects in recognised cycle storage areas.
Whenever possible, lock your bike in a busy, well-lit area, ideally covered by CCTV.
Information about the four suspects can be passed to British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40.
Comments
by georgeisafish
Thursday, September 20 2012, 8:10PM
“my mate's bike was taken from that spot, there was too much footage to view to make it worth while”
by City_C10
Wednesday, September 19 2012, 3:09PM
“I hope the day is not to empty here?
This is not a very clear picture, but you never know! Someone might be able to help if you ave the time on your hands.”
by MacMonkey74
Wednesday, September 19 2012, 1:57PM
“As a victim myself of this particular crime I was at first pleased that my bike was in full view of the CCTV cameras but less pleased when the policeman at the station told me that the CCTV was next to useless so that wouldn't really help.
They did however give me some good advice, buy a D lock, don't bother with even the heavier duty chains (excluding those large heavy ones you see motorcyclists using) as they can be cut through in seconds allowing the perpetrator to nonchalantly walk up to your bike and away as quickly and as easily as if they had the key themselves.”
by chemistman
Wednesday, September 19 2012, 12:19PM
“OK - so there are 7 comments about the poor quality of cctv images at this spot (which I fully agree with). What are Network Rail going to do about it?”
by taffy32
Wednesday, September 19 2012, 8:51AM
“With picture quality like that it would be easier to name the tune of a song playing on the radio which is turned off!”
by Westcotes
Tuesday, September 18 2012, 10:33PM
“Wow! Pin hole cameras are making a comeback.”
by DBLeicester
Tuesday, September 18 2012, 3:24PM
“Millions of pounds spent on the Leicester Train Station and a CCTV system worth about £3 installed to go with it! Who signed that one off, what a joke!?”
by Markymark002
Tuesday, September 18 2012, 1:04PM
“Is it Rod Hull & Emu? Richard III? Me?
Thieves may rest easily if all CCTV images are as hopeless as this.”
by 4_Stroke
Tuesday, September 18 2012, 11:50AM
“There are reported to be over 2000 cctv cameras in the City. Surely these folk appear elsewhere on CCTV where the picture may be a bit clearer.”
by westleic
Tuesday, September 18 2012, 10:40AM
“The advice they give makes sense but it didn't stop them cutting through the lock and taking my bike. I took all the precautions but the camera was pointing the other way.”