A man thought to be posing as a rail employee to steal bicycles from stations across the north of England is wanted by British Transport Police (BTP).
Officers have said the man, who wears an orange high-visibility vest or yellow jacket similar to those worn by rail staff, is their ‘number one target’ in connection with a series of railway station cycle thefts.
Despite images being circulated to the rail industry, and previously to the media, his identity still remains unknown.
Chief Inspector Derek O’Mara said: “We believe this man is operating throughout the Teesside, Yorkshire and Tyne and Wear areas and, so far, we have linked him to at least four separate incidents, stealing cycles valued at nearly £2,000.
“We also believe he is dressing as a member of rail staff to avoid raising suspicion while he steals the cycles.
“The man has been caught on camera at Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Hull and Selby, the images are excellent quality and we believe that someone somewhere must know who this man is. I would ask that anyone who has any information, however small, that may assist our investigation to please contact us. We believe he may have links to the Darlington area.”
Anyone with information should call British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 quoting background log NEA5 of September 28, 2012, or the independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
