Bikes stolen and criminal damage caused to cycle hub at Preston Railway Station

Bikes stolen from outside the train station — Lakes Leisure Bike Hub at Preston Station was targeted by thieves

British Transport Police have congratulated themselves for solving a theft which occurred after paving slabs were used to smash windows at the Leisure Lakes Bike hire and a customer’s bike, in for repair, was stolen.

The suspect broke into the Preston Railway Station site on Sunday 23 May at 03:00am.

The Transport Police say the stolen bikes value was at £3,000 and the window damage will cost £2,000 to repair.

Officers at the BTP (British Transport Police) reviewed CCTV of the offence taking place and recognised the suspect immediately. The thief was traced to an address in Lancaster, eight hours after the offence took place.

Enquiries then led to a van parked in Southport, and when the officers carried out and Stop and Search on the vehicle occupant they found the stolen bicycle.

The male was arrested at 9:30pm that same Sunday evening on suspicion of Handling Stolen Goods. Although he was then released under investigation.

Meanwhile, the male arrested for the burglary of the bike was interviewed and charged on Sunday night. He was remanded in custody and appeared at court on Monday 24.

The British Transport Police have shown gratitude to their officers, with a message from their Twitter account reading: ‘Two #arrested, one charged, burglary solved, and the stolen bike recovered – all on the same day. #teamwork.’

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