A 'PROLIFIC bike thief' has been jailed for five months after taking a bicycle from outside Reading Station.

Michael Howe, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Reading Magistrates' Court on October 5.

The 30-year-old admitted three charges of theft across Berkshire, including theft from a shop in Bracknell.

As well as stealing a bike from the front of the railway station on August 29, he took another bicycle from Central Swimming Pool on Battle Street two days earlier.

Sergeant Chris Fells, based at Reading station, said: “Bikes are a popular target for thieves and I am pleased that thanks to the work of British Transport Police officers, a prolific bike thief is now behind bars.

"Officers regularly patrol Reading station and it is a CCTV rich environment, which makes it very hard for thieves like Howe to get away without being caught.

“There are some simple steps that can be taken to protect yourself from becoming a victim of bike theft.

"Use a recognised security standard lock such as a D-lock, and use the Gold Standard ratings when purchasing a lock. If you leave your bike at a station, lock it in a busy, well-lit area.”