Images released of men wanted in connection with bike thefts from Darlington railway station (From The Northern Echo)

Images released of men wanted in connection with bike thefts from Darlington railway station

4:35pm Wednesday 22nd February 2012 in News By Andrew Douglas, Deputy News Editor

A NUMBER of men are being hunted in connection with cycle thefts from Darlington railway station.

Today British Transport Police released CCTV images of three men they want to speak to in connection with the incidents.

Inspector Granville Sellers said: “The three men pictured are all believed to have stolen bikes from the cycle rack at Darlington railway station.

“We’re now asking for help from members of the public to identify them. If you know any of these people and can tell us who they are, we want to hear from you.”

* Photo 1 (Log 497) relates to the theft of a cycle at 6.20pm on Saturday, 12 December 2011.

* Photo 2 (Log 398) relates to the theft of a bike at 3.25pm on Monday 5 December 2011.

* Photo 3 (Log 482) relates to the theft of a bike from the station on Wednesday, 7 December 2011 at 3.55pm.

Insp Sellers added: “Unfortunately cycles remain a popular target for thieves but there are a number of steps people can take to ensure their bikes are adequately marked and secured to help reduce their risk of becoming a victim of bike theft."

Since April 2011, there have been nine cycle offences at Darlington station and five people have been arrested by British Transport Police in connection with these crimes.

Inspector Sellers continued: “Thieves should be aware that the majority of cycle racks are now monitored by CCTV and patrolled by plain clothed officers so the likelihood of getting caught is high."

Anyone with any information about the incidents or who recognises anyone pictured in the CCTV images should contact British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 quoting the reference number next to the image/footage.