Serial Surrey bicycle thief jailed for four years
Michael Jones stole an estimated 200 bicycles across Surrey, Thames Valley and Hampshire
Last updated 12th Aug 2024
A thief who stole an estimated 200 bicycles from Surrey, Thames Valley and Hampshire has been jailed for four years.
Michael Jones, aged 32, had been targeting high value bicycles at lock-ups, communal bike sheds and train stations.
After the thefts, he would then upload them for online sale under an alias.
More often than not, the bicycles would be advertised for a fraction of their market value.
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.
He was arrested onboard a train at North Camp rail station by British Transport Police after he was spotted on a train by an off-duty officer.
When detained, Jones was in possession of a suspected stolen bike and a mobile phone featuring images of hundreds of stolen bicycles was also seized.
His crimes had been ongoing since January 2023.
Jones 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.
Jones also faces ten-year Criminal Behaviour Order.
This prevents him from being in possession of a bicycle unless he has written proof of ownership, being in possession of tools such as pliers or wire cutters in a public place, entering a bicycle storage area, and taking part in the sale of bicycles or bicycle parts.
The order also prevents him from entering any railway station, unless travelling on next direct available service to a destination.
Investigating officer PS Julian Mason said he was happy with the outcome:
“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.”