Bike thief caught on camera
A prolific bicycle thief has been captured on university CCTV, just weeks after a series of criticisms regarding security levels in colleges. The thief’s image was captured by CCTV cameras outside the Engineering faculty as he made off with a bike, and his description was circulated to the police by the university security services.
A week later the same man was noticed by security operators tampering with bikes outside the same department, and a university security patrol gave chase, although the thief escaped. Norman Stewart of the university security services said, “The thief hasn’t appeared since, so we may well have scared him off - the matter is now with the police.” Thames Valley Police believe the thief has repeatedly targeted university property, particularly the area around Mansfield Road.
The man, described as around 20 years old, tall and slim, appears to operate in the same way every time, walking up to bike racks carrying a black square bag and a blue cycle helmet, as if he were taking his own bicycle. The thief tends to wear a blue jacket with two vertical stripes from under the arms to the neck. Police stressed he would not look out of place in student areas.
Officers are unclear as to how he goes about removing the bikes, saying they have not found any snapped-off locks, but PC Jim Abram confirmed that the man has been targeting the university for at least two or three months. “It’s difficult to say how many bicycles he’s stolen, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it runs into scores.” PC Abram stressed Oxford’s position as a clear target for such criminals, some of whom are known to come from outside the city to target the university.
In May 2004, several thieves from London were arrested for stealing folding cycles from Oxford, intending to sell them on eBay. Abram highlighted the fact that although opportunist bike thieves do exist, many operate on a regular and organised basis. He also wished to emphasise the need for students to maintain a high level of security and awareness.
He told The Oxford Student, “We have recently noticed an increase in thefts of bicycles around the university and I would urge students to take extra care of their bikes. Always lock your bike to something that can’t be moved, even if you leave it for a short time, and use the best lock you can afford.”
23rd Feb 2006