Thieves snatch fewer than 40 bicycles from train stations in three years

While thousands of bikes were stolen from railways stations across the country over the past three financial years, fewer than 40 were targeted by thieves in our region.

New data shows 16,725 bikes were stolen from 1,245 railway stations across the country, with the hardest hit being stations in the London commuter belt.

In Stowmarket, which has an annual footfall of 935,244 people, 16 bikes were stolen (six in 2016/17, two in 2017/18 and eight in 2018/19). The station has 74 secure bike spaces.

In Bury St Edmunds, where annual footfall at the train station is 652,084 and there are 24 secure bikes spaces, 13 bikes were stolen (three in 2016/17, two in 2017/18 and eight in 2018/19).

In Thetford (annual footfall 297,388) four bikes were stolen in three years (two in 2017/18 and two in 2018/19). There are 38 secure bike spaces at the station.

In Brandon (annual footfall 115,932 and 10 secure bike spaces) three bikes were stolen – one in each of the last three financial years, while in Thurston, (footfall 72,388) there are four secure bikes space and there was just one bike theft in the last three years – in 2018/19.

Across the east, 3,339 bikes were stolen from 117 stations over the three-year period. Of the busiest stations, St Albans City had the highest number of bicycle thefts at 262.

According to a British Attitudes Survey, three per cent of the population – or 1.7 million people – cycle every day.

A British Transport Police spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, bicycles remain a popular target for opportunistic thieves and British Transport Police works closely with train operating companies to improve security at cycle storage facilities.

“To help prevent crime, we urge cyclists to invest in good quality D-locks and ensure

their bikes are securely marked and registered at www.bikeregister.com.

“Getting your cycle registered helps police trace recovered cycles and return them to

their owners. Additionally, it makes your property less appealing to would-be

thieves."

Sam Jones, senior campaigns officer at the charity Cycling UK said: “The majority of these bicycles stolen from train stations are not just play things, but are undoubtedly being used as a vital link in someone’s journey to work or school.

“Bike theft is notoriously under-reported, which is one of the reasons it is not given

the attention it deserves. To help the police prioritise this crime, it’s important if

you’re a victim you do report it to the police.”