Jail for man who stole 17 bikes from Chelmsford station

A bike thief has been sentenced to nine months in prison after a spate of thefts from Chelmsford station between December 3 and December 12. 17 bikes were reported stolen in that time with an estimated total value of more than £6,700.

Chelmsford Weekly News reports that Matthew McGrory, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to 17 charges of cycle theft at Chelmsford Magistrates court. He was given a nine-month custodial sentence.

Senior investigation officer Sergeant Barry Sharp from British Transport Police said:

"Bicycle theft will never be tolerated and this sentence sends a clear message that BTP will take robust action against perpetrators.

"This prosecution was only possible thanks to all the victims coming forward and reporting the theft. Because of this, we continue to encourage victims and witnesses of such offences to report crimes to BTP by calling 0800 40 50 40 or by sending a text to 61016."

Earlier this year, BTP released bike theft figures covering every station in Great Britain. Between 2011 and 2014, Chelmsford averaged 52.3 thefts a year.

Towns and cities in the South-East have proven to be major targets with Cambridge the hardest hit, followed by Reading and St Albans. Other than Manchester Piccadilly, two London terminals and Coventry, all the stations listed in the top 20 are popular with commuters travelling into the capital.