AN anonymous crime-fighter has declared himself on a mission to stop the recent scourge of bike thefts in Witney.

The nameless detective has set up a website stolenbikesofwitney@gmail.com where people can send details of where and when their bike has been stolen so he can spread the word and increase their chances of getting it back.

“These bike thefts have got to stop,” he posted on Witney Spotted Facebook page.

“Please report all bike thefts to the police so they are aware of the massive bike crime in Witney at the moment.”

He quickly got a range of responses to his message from people wanting to trace their stolen cycles.

Zoe Henstridge posted: "My son's bike was cut from the bike stand at the Windrush Leisure Centre two weeks ago. Police told me to email it in and have never acknowledged my report or contacted me so I doubt they'll be too concerned about your list unfortunately. I also contacted them recently to ask them what they intent to do about the increasing numbers of bikes being stolen and they haven't replied. Seems you can steal bikes and nothing will be done."

Tim Minion added: "I had mine stolen a few months back! Called the police they saw cctv... Nothing since."

"My husband's bike was stolen on Sunday 7th November a week ago. My husband reported it to the police," said Agnieszka Buniewicz.

The "Batman" figure also received 10 messages asking him to send a message to them.

He told us: “My email has only been running 24 hours and I’ve had details of four bike thefts – three outside Sainsbury’s Witney and one outside Tesco Witney.

“I am collecting information about these crimes - details of where and the time and if it has been reported to the police and action taken and if CCTV was available or witnesses.

“Once I have more information I wish to challenge the police. Also if someone has a bike stolen, with this information they might be able to get their bike back on the night of the theft."

An hour later he added: “Fifth bike report just come in - Witney leisure centre, again locks cut.”

We asked the police for an update on what action is being taken on these thefts.

Here are what the force said on each of the incidents:

  • Date: September 7. Location: Outside Sainsburys, Witan Way. Update: TVP received a report that a bike had been stolen and then recovered. The investigation has been filed pending further information coming to light.
  • Date: September 14. Location: Outside Sainsburys. Update: TVP has not had any reports on the system.
  • Date: October 24. Location: Outside Windrush Leisure Centre. Update: TVP received a report that a bike had been stolen. The investigation has been filed pending further information coming to light.
  • Date: November 5. Location: Outside Sainsburys. Update: TVP received a report that a bike had been stolen. The investigation has been filed pending further information coming to light.
  • Date: November 14. Location: Outside Tesco Express at Esso Petrol Station, Station Lane. Update: TVP received a report that a bike had been stolen. The investigation has been filed pending further information coming to light.

In a statement the police said: “Thames Valley Police take all reports of this crime type seriously and will investigate when such reports are made.

“Local officers also conduct bike marking events for the public, details of which can be found on our social media channels before they take place.

“Further tips and information on how to keep your bike safe can be found on our website here – https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-vehicles-safe/how-safe-is-your-bike/.”