British Transport Police reverse bike theft policy

Following clear feedback from Cycling UK, its members and supporters, British Transport Police has updated the cycle theft section of its Crime Screening Policy on 5 January 2026 to clearly state its commitment to investigating bike theft.  

Previous to the change, in October 2025, Cycling UK sent an open letter to Chief Constable, Lucy D’Orsi. The charity highlighted how the policy contradicted multiple government strategies to promote the integration of public transport with journeys by bike, alongside how it disproportionately affects people who cycle because it’s such an affordable way to get around.

Cycling UK argued how secure cycle parking at train stations is central to those strategies, which train operating companies, the Great British Railways transition team and Network Rail have all consistently supported.

Beyond these contradictions, it was strongly believed that the policy would also increase crime and decrease the number of people commuting by bike to stations, which in-turn would reduce rail passenger numbers. 

Following the open letter, the charity spoke to MPs on how the approach disproportionately harmed constituents hit hardest by the cost-of-living crisis who rely on bikes for affordable travel. This prompted frontbench Liberal Democrat figures, including Olly Glover MP, Daisy Cooper MP, and Luke Taylor MP, to publicly criticise the policy and warn it risked effectively decriminalising bike theft at railway stations. In addition, Shadow Transport Secretary Richard Holden MP, Shadow Policing Minister Matt Vickers MP, and Fabian Hamilton MP, Labour and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Cycling and Walking (APPGCW), also voiced their concerns. 

In response to sustained advocacy and cross-party support, Cycling UK welcomed British Transport Police’s sensible decision to remove any mention of the two hour and £200 limit. The charity was also pleased to see the clarification of further training for investigators to ensure there is a consistent approach to the examination of CCTV footage. The charity believes that acknowledging these impacts and taking action to reverse the policy not only sends a clear message to criminals but also reassures communities who rely on diverse and integrated transport networks to make their journeys. 

Duncan Dollimore, Head of Campaigns at Cycling UK, said:  

“This outcome is a real win for everyone who uses our transport network. Our approach to tackling this decision was always about fairness and common sense. From the moment we found out about the policy, our members and supporters were clear that it sent the wrong message about whose journeys matter.  

“When more people feel confident cycling to stations, it reduces congestion on our roads, eases pressure on parking and public transport and supports a more efficient economy overall. It also gives people real choice in how they travel, particularly at a time when many people are experiencing a cost-of-living crisis. We're delighted that British Transport Police listened, engaged with us, recognised that supporting cycling supports the wider public good, and changed their policy.” 

BTP Assistant Chief Constable Ian Drummond-Smith said: “Rail passengers whose bikes are stolen rightly expect a thorough police investigation to trace offenders and reunite them with their property, and we are committed to bringing more bike thieves to justice in 2026 than ever before. 

“To further improve our service to victims, and following an internal review, we have recently refreshed our Crime Screening Policy. 

“Under this updated Policy, our officers will investigate more reports and explore all viable lines of enquiry if a bike is identifiable on CCTV, or if there is a witness to the crime. 

“We continue to work closely with the railway industry to pinpoint hotspot locations and improve CCTV footage to further our investigations and bring offenders before the courts.

“Since reviewing our Policy, we have already charged a man with cycle theft. Our teams across the three countries continue to work hard to keep our railway safe.” 

To learn more and support Cycling UK’s campaign work, visit: www.cyclinguk.org/campaigns