Officers from British Transport Police (BTP) are appealing for the public’s help as they continue to investigate the theft of a teenager’s bicycle from the cycle racks at Newton Abbot railway station.

Officers released a photograph of the stolen bike, in the hope that someone may have information about its whereabouts or about who may have taken the bike.

PC Justin Hamling, said: “The victim, a 15-year-old boy from Kingsteignton, left his red/burgundy-coloured Qhara BMX bike in the racks at Newton Abbot railway station at about 8.45am on Tuesday, 8 April.

“When he returned at 10pm the same day, he discovered his bike, which is worth around £600, had been stolen from the racks.

“The victim regularly takes part in BMX competitions but will not be able to take part following the theft which has left him distraught.”

Officers are also urging anyone who may have been recently offered such a bike for sale in the Newton Abbot or surrounding area to contact British Transport Police.

PC Hamling added, “Unfortunately, bicycles remain a desirable target for many thieves at train stations. However, BTP is cracking down on this type of crime and we have a dedicated team of officers specifically focused on tackling this issue.

“We are undertaking plain clothes and high profile operations to catch thieves in the act. We are also working closely with cycle and second-hand shops in the area and are monitoring online auction and advertising sites to make it more difficult for thieves to sell on stolen property.”

Anyone with information should call British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016. Alternatively the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

In all calls please quote incident reference GSUB/B4 of 02/05/14.