June 13, 2013 1.31 pm This story is over 129 months old

Police search for man after £2.5k spent on card stolen on Lincoln train

CCTV appeal: Police search for man after a wallet containing a cash card was stolen from a Lincoln train, with over £2,500 later spent on the card.
Photos: British Transport Police (BTP)

Transport police are searching for a man shown in CCTV images after a wallet containing a cash card was stolen from a Lincoln train, with over £2,500 later spent on the card.

The incident took place at around 9.20pm on board a train at Lincoln Central station on April 15.

A 56-year-old man from Newark, boarded the train at Lincoln and placed his jacket, containing his wallet with his bank cards, PIN number details and rail tickets, in the rack above his seat.

He then left his seat briefly and when he returned noticed it was missing.

By the time the theft had been reported to police, and the cards were cancelled, over £2500 had been spent on the victim’s card.

British Transport Police launched an investigation and traced the cards usage to a number of outlets where CCTV footage was then seized and viewed.

From the footage officers were able to identify a man who they would like to speak to, as they believe he will have information which will assist the investigation into the theft.

Officers believe the man may have links to the Nottingham, Derby or West Yorkshire areas.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Lee Parsons said: “We take the theft of passenger property extremely seriously and one of our primary policing objectives is to reduce the number of people who become a victim.

“Always keep your belongings close by, check them regularly and be extra vigilant when your train stops at a station. It may seem obvious but do not keep your pin number written down close to your card, try to memorise one if at all possible.

“If you move to another carriage, take your valuables with you – never leave them unattended and report any suspicious behaviour to staff or a police officer immediately.”

Photos: British Transport Police (BTP)

Photos: British Transport Police (BTP)

Anyone with information should call British Transport Police on 0800405040 or text 61016 quoting reference number B2/NEA of 13/06/13. Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.