British Transport Police risk “effectively decriminalising” bike theft outside stations, say senior Lib Dems

The British Transport Police (BTP) risk “effectively decriminalising” bike theft outside train stations, say five senior Liberal Democrat MPs in an open letter published today.

It comes after the BTP confirmed they intend not to investigate bicycle thefts outside of tube and train stations, where bikes have been left for more than two hours.

The MPs have asked the BTP to provide several key pieces of information - including “On average, how much time the BTP currently spends reviewing CCTV footage for bike thefts by railway stations” and “Why bikes valued under £200 will no longer be investigated by the BTP”.

In the letter, addressed to Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi - the MPs say:

“We are concerned BTP’s decision runs the risk of effectively decriminalising bike theft in London and across the country, and undermines public confidence in the police’s commitment to tackling crime and in cycling as an affordable, healthy and safe form of travel.”

“Thousands of commuters park their bikes by railway stations each day - it is right that they know these cycle racks will help to keep their bikes secure.”

Luke Taylor MP, Liberal Democrat frontbench spokesperson for London and one of the signatories of the letter, said:

“I’m really worried about the implications of this decision - public confidence in the police will take a hit if thefts like these can take place without a proper investigation”

“The BTP must outline the steps they are taking to ensure bikes parked at railway stations are secure”