A CYCLE thief who was caught going equipped to steal bikes at Bedford rail station has been jailed for three months.
Dean Hall, 39, of Castle Road, Bedford, was jailed at Luton Crown Court on Monday, February 25 after pleading guilty to going equipped for theft.
The court heard how Hall was spotted by British Transport Police (BTP) officers carrying out an operation at Bedford station on June 22 last year.
Dressed in a scarf and hat on a warm midsummer evening, Hall was spotted hanging suspiciously near the station’s cycle racks.
BTP officers approached Hall and, after carrying out a search of him, they found tools suitable to cut bike locks.
Inspector Neil Ketley said: “Hall’s odd attire alerted officers to question him for his suspicious behaviour next to the cycle racks and we were able to swiftly stop him in his path before he attempted to steal passenger’s bikes.
“Cycle theft causes enormous inconvenience and genuine upset to victims, who are not only hit financially, but are forced to make alternative arrangements for travelling to and from their homes until they have replacement cycles.”
If you notice suspicious behaviour near station cycle racks or have any information about cycle crime on the railway, contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40.
