A SERIAL bike thief has pleaded guilty to the theft of nine bicycles across several counties including one in Comet country.

Steven Walters was sentenced to a four month jail term, suspended for 12 months with a 12 month referral order.

Walters, 39, was caught on CCTV during many of the thefts which proved vital in identifying him and bringing him to justice.

PC Robbie Singh, British Transport Police investigating officer, said: “Walters was in search of quality items and most of the bikes he took were high-spec models, often those with suspension systems or front disc brakes.

“Unfortunately for him he was pictured on CCTV on several occasions and he was later identified as being the culprit responsible for all of the offences.”

Officers initiated a press appeal to local papers in the areas targeted by Walters and received valuable information as to the identity of the thief.

PC Singh said: “I would also like to thank all of the local newspapers that ran the initial appeal for information and the CCTV pictures. The feedback we received from this was vital in identifying a prolific thief and bringing him before the courts.”

The thefts took place in Walters’ home town of Sandy (three offences), Huntingdon (two offences), Hitchin, Biggleswade, Bedford and St Neots.