Two men wanted by police after bike thefts at Shropshire train stations

Investigators are calling on the public to help identify the individuals, as they believe they may have information vital to their enquiries.

Officers would like to speak to this man (1a) after two bikes were stolen within hours of each other from two separate locations.

The first incident took place just after 1pm on Thursday, 23 April, when a bicycle was stolen from the cycle rack on platform 7 at Shrewsbury railway station.

Later that afternoon, at around 3.50pm, another cycle theft took place at Wellington station. The thief approached the cycle rack on platform 2 and, using a pair of bolt croppers, cut off the lock before riding out of the station on the stolen bike.

Investigating officers are appealing for help in identifying another person (2a), who they would like to speak to in connection with the theft of a bicycle at Shrewsbury railway station on Monday, 27 April.

He is described as white, of average build, with short brown hair and was wearing a brown jacket, blue jeans and white trainers, with a black rucksack on his back.

PC Kirk Smith, who is investigating these incidents, said: "There are lots of things people can do to lessen their chances of becoming a victim of bike theft, like ensuring their property is adequately marked and secured, which makes it much easier to identify and therefore helps reduce the risk of theft.

"BTP officers regularly conduct cycle crime awareness surgeries at stations to offer crime prevention advice. We also undertake plain clothes and high profile operations to catch thieves in the act. Thieves should also be aware that most cycle racks are covered by CCTV, so it's only a matter of time before we track them down.

"We are also working closely with cycle and second-hand shops and are monitoring online auction and advertising sites to make it more difficult for thieves to sell on stolen property."

Can you identify either of the people in these photographs? Do you know their current whereabouts?

Call British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016, quoting reference W/B10 of 29/05/2015 and the image numbers attached to the relevant photographs. Information can also be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.