DETECTIVES have released a CCTV image of a man they would like to question after a locked bike was stolen from Osterley Station.
On August 12 last year at around 6pm a woman secured her bike outside the station using a combination lock but when she returned both the bike and lock were missing.
The case is one of a number to have hit the network in recent months and Detective Inspector Jim Chamberlain of British Transport Police said: “Officers investigating each of these cases have carried out a number of enquiries to try and establish the identity of these people, including speaking to witnesses and circulating images on police intelligence systems, but to no avail so far.
"We're now asking for help from the public to identify them. If you know this man and can tell us who he is, we want to hear from you. Bikes are a popular target for thieves but there are a number of steps cyclists can take to ensure their bikes are adequately secured and marked to help reduce their risk of becoming a victim.
"The key thing is to use a solid lock to secure your bike and remember to register it. If a bike is adequately marked, it makes it much easier to identify and therefore reduces its desirability to thieves."
If you recognise the suspect call British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference B5 LUA of 14/03/13 and Image Number 5.
British Transport Police, the Metropolitan Police Service, City of London Police and Transport for London are currently working together on Project Cycle Ops – an initiative to crack down on cycle theft in the capital which is funded by Transport for London.
If you want to report a crime, spot suspicious behaviour related to bikes or have any information about cycle thefts in London, contact the Metropolitan Police on 101 or the British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40.
Cyclists are urged to always follow the 3R’s to keep their bikes safe:
Record – Keep a record for yourself of the frame number, make and any other marks that can identify your bike if it is stolen.
Register – There are a number of websites where cyclists can register the details of their bikes including www.bikeregister.com .
Report – If your bike is stolen it is vital to report it to the police. Bike theft is a significantly under reported crime. Reporting the theft will enable officers to check databases and contact the owner once the bike is recovered.
