Police hunt East Croydon cycle thief (From Croydon Guardian)

Police hunt East Croydon cycle thief

9:00am Thursday 19th January 2012 in News By Hannah Williamson

Police are appealing for help in identifying a prolific bike thief.

The man has struck five times at East Croydon rail station and detectives have released CCTV images of a man they want to question in connection with the thefts from the racks on Cherry Orchard Road.

The thief struck four times in November last year, twice on November 25, and twice again on November 28. He also struck more recently on January 9.

Detective Sergeant Bob Stokoe, based at Croydon BTP station on Addiscombe Road, said: "Initially these incidents were treated as separate theft, but after we combed through the hours of CCTV footage from the cycle racks it became clear the same man was present each time.

"We've made enquiries to try and get a name for him, including speaking with local neighbourhood policing teams, but to no avail so far. If you recognise this man please get in touch."

There are several steps cyclists can take to ensure their bikes are adequately marked and secured to help reduce the risk of becoming a victim of bike theft.

Det Stokoe added: "The best thing to remember is to register your bike and also to ensure a solid lock is used to secure it.

"If a bike is adequately marked, it makes it much easier to identify and therefore reduces its desirability to thieves."

Anyone who can name the man in the CCTV images should contact BTP on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference B12/LSA of 16/01/12.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.