Appeal after bag theft at Exeter station

British Transport Police (BTP) officers are appealing for the public’s help to identify two men they would like to speak to in connection with the theft of a passenger’s bag at Exeter St Davids railway station.

Officers have released CCTV images of two men they believe will have information which can assist the investigation into the incident which took place at around 11.15am on Tuesday 29 April 2014.

PC David Browning, investigating officer, said: “The victim left his bag unattended near the entrance to the booking hall at the station while he went outside the station to have a cigarette.

“Shortly afterwards, two men entered the booking hall and while one went to the ticket counter, the second man placed his own bags on the floor near to where the victim had left his bag.

“He then pulled the victim’s bag towards his own bags before picking it up and then leaving the station with the other man, and with the victim’s bag in their possession.

“Enquiries have been ongoing to identify those responsible for the theft but to no avail. I am now appealing for anyone who recognises the men in these photographs to come forward as I believe they will have key information which can assist the investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to 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/B5 of 26/06/14.

This appeal follows BTP’s launch of Operation Magnum, a crackdown on theft of passenger property on the railway. As part of the initiative, officers have issued video clips to help the travelling public spot the most common tricks thieves use.