Scale of train station bike thefts is revealed
Police have revealed that a total of more than £1.5 million of bicycles have been stolen from railway stations this year.
British Transport Police said 5,318 bikes were taken by thieves between April 2013 and March this year - which is the equivalent of 14 bikes a day.
The total number of bicycles stolen across England, Wales and Scotland rose by 3.6 per cent this year compared to the last financial year.
During this 12 month period a total of 1,381 suspects were arrested over the 12-month period, BTP said, as it launched a nationwide campaign to tackle bicycle theft.
Officers believe criminals are exploiting the rising popularity of commuting by bike in the UK.
Recent statistics from the BTP show that there has been an increase in bicycle thefts over the West Midlands this year.
Between December 2013 and November of this year a total of 33 bikes were stolen.
At Wolverhampton 14 bikes were stolen.
Superintendent Jason Bunyard, who oversees Operation Wiggins, said: "Over the past few years, we have seen an increase in passengers using bikes to travel to and from railway stations.
"Following continued investment in cycle racks and spaces for bikes on trains, events such as the Tour de France, and with people being more conscious of the environment and their health, there has been a huge surge in their popularity.
"Unfortunately, this has also provided increased opportunities for thieves due to bikes being relatively easy to steal and dispose of, bikes sadly remain an attractive target for thieves."
