BTP changes bike theft policy after criticism

British Transport Police (BTP) has changed its policy on investigating bike thefts at railway stations, following criticism that the crime had effectively been "decriminalised".

Under the new approach, officers will investigate cases where a bicycle can be identified on CCTV or where there is a witness to the theft.

Previously, BTP said it would not investigate bike thefts outside stations if a bicycle had been left for more than two hours, or if it was worth less than £200, unless "special factors" applied.

Campaigners argued the policy meant station cycle facilities were not secure and deterred victims from reporting thefts.

The change follows an open letter from Cycling UK.

Sarah McMonagle, the charity's head of campaigns, said most commuters left their bikes for more than two hours and that the old policy explicitly ruled out investigations in many cases.

BTP assistant chief constable Ian Drummond-Smith said: "Under this updated policy, our officers will investigate more reports and explore all viable lines of inquiry if a bike is identifiable on CCTV, or if there is a witness to the crime.

"We continue to work closely with the railway industry to pinpoint hotspot locations and improve CCTV footage to further our investigations and bring offenders before the courts.

"Since reviewing our policy, we have already charged a man with cycle theft. Our teams across the three countries continue to work hard to keep our railway safe."

The policy came into force of 3 January.

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