Bike thief jailed after off duty officer stopped him mid act - Oxford

A 38-year-old man has been sentenced to five and a half months in prison after stealing a bike from Oxford station, following a British Transport Police investigation.

Ryan Kane, 38, of Saxton Road, Abingdon was found guilty of cycle theft and going equipped to steal on Friday 4 August at Oxford Crown Court.

The court heard how on Monday 5 September 2022, Kane was spotted by an off duty Thames Valley Police officer outside Oxford station using an angle grinder on a securely locked bicycle in the cycle racks.

The officer prevented the individual riding off on the bike and apprehended Kane who was still holding the angle grinder.

British Transport Police Investigating officer Sergeant Colin Hall said: “We are pleased with this court result, and hope it acts as a firm deterrent to those considering stealing bicycles, that they will be caught and jailed.

 "We take all reports of crime seriously and encourage all members of the public to report incidents to us. We are grateful of our colleagues across all police forces, working together for the same outcome; reduce crime and make safer communities."

Thames Valley Police Oxford City Neighbourhood Sergeant, Pete Neale, said: “This is an excellent result and is testimony to our continuing efforts, with our partners, to bring bike crime suspects to justice and reduce bike theft across the city.

"Oxford has an extensive network of CCTV cameras and we will always look to identify and arrest those responsible for bike theft. If you witness a bike in the process of being stolen, please call the police on 999."