COMMUTERS are warning bicycle owners that lock up their bikes at Didcot Railway Centre about an “increase in theft”.

Riders who lock up their equipment at site in Station Road have noted that “several bikes” have been stolen in the last week.

This is despite the new £1million bike hub funded by Great Western Railway (GWP) who operate the station, to keep 600 bikes on site.

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The cycle hub, located in the west car park opposite the taxi rank, is fitted with CCTV and was installed in March last year.

However, one bicycle owner said his lock was cut and stolen from the hub and he now has no means of getting to work.

One resident commented: “My husband's bike was also stolen from the train station bike park more than five years ago with a strong lock on it, right in front of the CCTV sign.

“The station at the time they said the CCTV was not working and the bike was over £600, gone with not a penny from their insurance as he got the Milton Park bus not the train ticket.

“I can't believe it is still happening after so many incidents over the years.”

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Another bicycle owner added that their bike was also stolen from outside of a nearby shop.

“It was chained up too,” they said. “I'm so gutted it is also my means to work. Fortunately, I can walk or use my old bike.

“Absolute scum that don't want to make an honest living and prey on the ones that do.”

Mocky Khan, leader of Didcot Town Council, said it was “frustrating” to hear about the thefts but hopes it doesn’t deter people from cycling.

He said: “It’s really frustrating that this is happening especially considering the climate emergency - it’s great to see people are cycling as that means there are less cars on the road.

“I don’t understand how such a secure facility has been impacted like this. They’ve upgraded the facility and I always use it when I commute into London.

“How brazen people are to come in and cut the locks and take the bike away. The police are so busy doing other things it’s hard but I really hope they can capture people on CCTV as I don’t want to deter people leaving their bikes as it means more cars on the road and less people cycling.

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“In terms of the town council there is very little we can do as it’s not our property or land. All the council can say is we hope it stops and that GWP can do something to prevent it.”

Great Western Parkway have been asked for a comment.

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Read more from this author

This story was written by Gee Harland. She joined the team in 2022 as a senior multimedia reporter.

Gee covers Wallingford, Wantage and Didcot.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Gee.harland@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @Geeharland

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