Press release -

Do you know this man?

We’re releasing CCTV images of a man we’d like to speak to following two bike thefts at Horndean Technology College, Barton Cross in Horndean.

On 9 November a man entered the school at about 12.25pm and stole a mountain bike. The same man returned on 12 November and stole another bike.

One of the bikes stolen was a blue Voodoo Cycles mountain bike worth £800 and the other was a black Planet X Onone mountain bike worth £400.

Both of the victims were 12-year-old schoolboys, who used the bikes to get to and from school.

The suspect is described as:

  • White
  • 16-25-years-old
  • About 5’ 9”
  • Medium build
  • Short dark hair, with a distinctive ‘widow’s peak’
  • He was wearing grey tracksuit bottoms, with an aubergine-coloured hoody with grey arms and hoody, grey trainers and he had a black backpack with him

We’d like to hear from anyone who recognises the man from the CCTV or the description given.

Ten ways to help prevent anyone taking your bike

1. Register itGet your bike security marked and registered at BikeRegister. It’s a highly effective, visible deterrent to bike thieves. They know that if they are caught with a registered bike, the owner can be traced and they will be arrested. Immobilise is another free site where you can register your bike’s details.

2. Record itRemember to record details of your bike such as the frame number (normally found underneath the bike between the pedals or where the back wheel slots in), the BikeRegister number plus any other distinguishing features, and take a photo.

3. Double-lock itIt can take thieves as little as few seconds to cut through some locks, so use two good quality locks, at least one of which is a D-lock.

4. Lock the lotLock the frame and both wheels to the cycle parking stand.

5. Secure itSecure your bike as close to the stand as possible to give any thieves little or no room to manoeuvre.

6. Remove the removable bitsTake parts that are easy to remove with you. Or use locking skewers or nuts which can increase security by securing the bike's components to the frame permanently, making it difficult for thieves to steal detachable parts.

7. Park secureLock your bike at recognised secure cycle parking. It should be well lit and covered by CCTV.

8. Remember safety begins at homeTake the same care to lock your bike securely at home as you would on the street.

9. Check ownershipAsk for proof of ownership and check the bike frame number on the Bike Checker at BikeRegister.

10. Act fastIf your bike has been stolen, contact police as soon as possible (you can report it to us online). Give us your frame number, BikeRegister number, a photo and any other details and make sure you update the status on BikeRegister. The sooner we know, the sooner we can act, which might stop it being sold on.

Topics

  • Crime

Regions

  • Hampshire

If you have any information, please contact us on 101, quoting reference number 44180421534 .

In an emergency, call 999.