"Under the new approach, officers will investigate cases where a bicycle can be identified on CCTV or where there is a witness to the theft. Campaigners argued the policy meant station cycle facilities were not secure and deterred victims from reporting thefts. The change follows an open letter from Cycling UK. Sarah McMonagle, the charity's head of campaigns, said most commuters left their bikes for more than two hours and that the old policy explicitly ruled out investigations in many cases."
"Under this updated policy, our officers will investigate more reports and explore all viable lines of inquiry if a bike is identifiable on CCTV, or if there is a witness to the crime. We continue to work closely with the railway industry to pinpoint hotspot locations and improve CCTV footage to further our investigations and bring offenders before the courts."
British Transport Police changed its policy on investigating bicycle thefts at railway stations, requiring CCTV identification or a witness before officers will investigate. Campaigners said the prior policy effectively decriminalised cycle theft, left station cycle facilities insecure and deterred victims from reporting. Cycling UK sent an open letter prompting the review. Sarah McMonagle, head of campaigns at the charity, said most commuters leave bikes for more than two hours and that the old policy explicitly ruled out many investigations. BTP assistant chief constable Ian Drummond-Smith said officers will explore all viable lines of inquiry and work with the railway industry to improve CCTV and identify hotspots. The policy took effect on 3 January and has already led to a charge for cycle theft.
Read at www.bbc.com
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