Sneak thief hunted after incidents on trains in Lancashire

British Transport Police would like to speak to him in connection with two thefts on board train services.

Both offences happened on 21 February this year; the first was between around 12pm and 12.20pm, the second between approximately 2.25pm and 3pm.

The victim, a 49-year-old man, was travelling on a London-bound service from Scotland sitting in coach E and during the journey a man entered the carriage and sat opposite him. The man left the carriage at Lancaster but then came back in, leant across the victim and took his wallet from the table, before leaving the train.

In the second incident, the victim, a 68-year-old woman, was travelling on a London bound service and fell asleep during the journey between Oxenholme and Preston.

Her handbag was on the window seat next to her and a man sat behind her and took a purse and mobile from the handbag while the victim was asleep.

Officers believe the thefts are linked and would like to speak to the man shown in the CCTV image as he may have information which could help with the investigation.

Police would like to remind passengers using the railway to stay alert and aware of what’s going on around you, register your gadgets at www.immobilise.com and always use your phone’s security lock or PIN.

If you have any information about the person shown in the CCTV image or the incidents, please call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016, quoting reference number 250 07/03/17.