RAIL passengers from Warrington are being asked to help solve a series of thefts across the region’s network.
CCTV footage has been released by British Transport Police (BTP) of a man they would like to speak to regarding eight thefts in the area.
In each case a piece of luggage was stolen on board a train and although in some occasions the luggage was 
recovered, property from inside had been taken.
The offender has so far stolen two laptop computers, a Nintendo DS and a number of cases and bags. One of the incidents occurred on Friday March 13 on the 3.39pm Lancaster to Warrington Bank Quay Virgin train. A passenger placed a suitcase containing an Apple Mac laptop computer on the luggage rack. When they left the train at Bank Quay the property had been stolen.
Incidents have also occurred on other trains passing through Warrington.
DC Mick Millward, of BTP said: “The thief seems to be targeting trains on which commuters and business people are likely to travel and is clearly monitoring the luggage racks for items which look valuable.
“Passengers board a train with an expectation that they, and their property, will be safe for the duration of their journey. Sadly some people are not only prepared, but are happy, to breach this trust and BTP and the train operating companies are working hard to combat these criminals.”
He said the increased use of CCTV in stations and on trains enables officers to compile more evidence and present stronger cases to the courts.
DC Millward added: “The man pictured on the CCTV images was present at every incident reported to us in this sequence of thefts and I am convinced he will be able to help us with our enquiries.”
Anyone who recognises the man or has information about the thefts, which occurred between March 12 and 20, should contact BTP on 0800 40 50 40 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
