POLICE have released CCTV images of a man they want to speak to following the theft of a bike from Darlington station.

The theft took place shortly after 10.30am on Thursday, June 26.

PC Tony McGhin, of British Transport Police (BTP), said: “The bike, a red Carrera Vulcan XC, worth £200, was secured at the station’s cycle racks shortly before 7am.

“When the owner returned, he found it had been taken.”

As part of their investigation into the incident, officers have studied CCTV from the station.

PC McGhin added: “I believe the man in the images we have released has valuable information about this theft.

“I would ask anyone who recognises him to get in contact.”

BTP has issued bike security advice to cyclists, including:

• Whenever you need to leave your bike, lock the frame and both wheels to a cycle stand or a strong immovable object;

• Whenever possible, lock your bike in a busy, well-lit and CCTV-covered area;

• Consider using more than one lock to secure your bike and ensure that you use a recognised security standard lock;

• Make the lock and bike hard to manoeuvre when parked by ensuring you leave as little room as possible between the stand and the bike.

Anyone with information is asked to call BTP on 0800-405-040, or text 61016, quoting reference PSUB/B4 of 14/07/2014.

Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.