Four year sentence for serial bicycle thief

A prolific thief who stole an estimated 200 bicycles across Surrey, Thames Valley and Hampshire has been jailed for four years.

On Tuesday, 9 January 2024, time caught up to 32-year-old Michael Jones after he was spotted on a train by an off-duty officer. Jones had been identified as a suspect in an ongoing series of bicycle thefts but he had actively been evading police and his lack of permanent address hampered efforts to find him.

In a swift and coordinated approach with British Transport Police, Jones was arrested at North Camp rail station. Not only was he found in possession of a suspected stolen bike, but his seized mobile phone revealed a plethora of images and videos – more than 350 in total – featuring suspected stolen bicycles. Messages on the mobile also revealed Jones discussing his intentions to steal particular bikes across Surrey, Hampshire, and Thames Valley.

Jones’ escapades had been ongoing since January 2023, where he would target communal bike sheds, residential lockups, and train stations, searching for high-value bikes. After stealing these, he would upload them online under an alias. 

More often than not, the bicycles would be uploaded for a fraction of their market value. One victim, whose £1,750 e-bike was stolen from a shed in Woking, found it for sale on Facebook for £350. In another incident, the victim found their £340 bicycle advertised at £80, with the description noting the seller was “LOOKING FOR A QUICK SALE”. Jones also targeted Walton-on-Thames rail station, where CCTV caught him breaking a lock and stealing a £899 bicycle. On another occasion, he stole a bicycle belonging to a 14-year-old boy.

Jones was identified after he was forensically linked to a pair of pliers, found discarded by officers at the site of a theft in Guildford. These findings were further corroborated after Jones was identified through a splatter of blood from a theft in Aldershot.

It was from there the lines between each case could be drawn, identifying similar circumstances in which the thefts were executed, as well as linking Jones with his online marketplace alias. 

Thanks to the keen eye of that off-duty officer on a train, Jones, (DOB: 04/01/1992), was arrested and later charged with conspiracy to steal, three non-residential burglaries and one residential burglary. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a total of 39 months’ imprisonment, followed by a 36-week suspended sentence on 26 July.

Investigating officer for Surrey Police, PC Iona King, said: “This coordinated approach across three forces is a great example of how joint working can provide great results both in the apprehension of Jones and the subsequent investigation and prosecution. I give my thanks to the forces that supported us in ensuring Jones came to justice. 

“I hope this outcome provides reassurance to the public that we take reports of bike theft seriously – your report could be the final missing piece to a much wider series of crime.” 

By working in collaboration with the British Transport Police, Hampshire Police and Thames Valley Police – all of whom had their own cases against Jones – officers were able to impose a ten-year Criminal Behaviour Order on him. This prevents Jones from:

• Being in possession of a bicycle unless he has written proof of ownership or permission from the owner.
• Being in possession of any tools (such as pliers or wire cutters) in a public place unless sealed in packaging or being used for lawful employment.
• Entering a bicycle storage area.
• Taking part in the sale of bicycles or bicycle parts.
• Prevents him from entering any railway station, unless travelling on next direct available service to a destination.

Investigating officer PS Julian Mason said: “Jones committed a series of offences across Surrey, Thames Valley, and the railway network showing no care nor remorse for his victims including teenagers and one victim who had her pedal cycle stolen that was a gift from her deceased husband.

“I am extremely pleased with the Criminal Behaviour Order granted that will go some way to prohibit Jones offending again, and I hope his time in prison gives him time to reflect on his actions and get the help he needs.”