Richmond Council has pledged to work more closely with police and transport partners to tackle bicycle theft following concerns raised about limited investigation resources.

The response comes after reporting on the British Transport Police's (BTP) policy of limiting CCTV review to two hours per bicycle theft case has left cyclists feeling abandoned by authorities.

Richmond features among London's worst boroughs for bike crime, with the highest rate of bicycle thefts at stations in the capital.

A Richmond Council spokesperson said: "Any theft in our borough is one too many – and we take concerns about bicycle security seriously.

"We're committed to keeping residents and visitors safe, and continue to work closely with the Police, South Western Railway, Network Rail, and other partners to deter and prevent theft wherever possible."

The Council emphasised it is taking "proactive steps" to support cycle security, including helping to fund the new £664,000 cycle hub at Richmond Station, which opened earlier this year as one of the largest in the UK.

The secure facility includes 464 cycle spaces with CCTV coverage and controlled access.

The Council said it is also "identifying further measures that could strengthen safety in and around key transport hubs."

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While enforcement falls to police and stations are managed by rail operators, the Council acknowledged residents' concerns about the need for thorough investigation and effective deterrence.

The borough's Community Safety Partnership brings together the Council, police and local organisations to coordinate actions to reduce thefts.

The Council urged residents to take practical steps including bike-marking, using secure parking, and registering bicycles on national databases.

The Met Police stated it allocates no specific budget for bicycle theft prevention (credit: Dan Dury).

Jonny Singh, 45, who had his £2,500 bike stolen in May, welcomed the Council's response.

He said: "I welcome the response and am glad they are taking the issue seriously.

"I hope other London councils follow their example and the Met police steps up its efforts to tackle organised bike crime."

Richmond Council added: "Richmond is proud to be a pro-cycling borough. Our Active Travel Strategy sets out ambitious plans to expand cycle lanes, improve road safety, add secure cycle parking, and provide training to encourage more people to travel sustainably.

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"We continue to work with our partners to ensure residents feel confident that their bikes – and their journeys – are safe across Richmond upon Thames."

The Metropolitan Police stated it allocates no specific budget for bicycle theft prevention, with such activities incorporated into wider patrol strategies.

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