St Albans City has most bike thefts outside of London

The research conducted by insurance firm Direct Line, shows that 260 bikes were stolen from the railway station last year.

Overall, 14,110 bikes have been stolen from train stations across the UK since 2021.

14,110 bikes have been stolen from train stations since 2021. (Image: Google Maps)

Cambridge North and Woking follow St Albans City in the list, with 217 at the former and 182 at the latter.

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The ten railway stations with the most bike thefts outside of London in 2022 can be seen below:

1. St Albans City Station (260)
2. Cambridge North Railway Station (217)
3. Woking Railway Station (182)
4. Bristol Temple Meads Railway Station (179)
5. Walton-on-Thames Railway Station (178) 
6. Reading Railway Station (163) 
7. Oxford Railway Station (149) 
8. Hull Paragon Railway Station (136) 
9. Winchester Railway Station (135) 
10. Surbiton Railway Station (127) 

Samantha Facey, safety, health and security director at Govia Thameslink Railway - which operates Thameslink, Great Northern and Southern services - said: "With our commitment to encourage more people to travel sustainably to the station, we've installed over 400 cycle spaces at St Albans, making it one of the country’s busiest stations for bike parking. 

"The percentage increase in thefts reflects the rise in people cycling to stations since the significantly lower levels during the Covid pandemic.  

260 bicycle thefts were recorded at the station last year. (Image: Google Maps)

“To combat this crime, we’ve continued to work closely with the British Transport Police and to strengthen cycle parking security at many stations.

"At St Albans, we’ve installed a key-fob entry system and extra CCTV coverage, and will soon be putting up stronger, higher fencing. 

“Ultimately, though, the best line of defence is a quality D-lock attaching the frame and front wheel to the bike stand, and a second lock securing the rear wheel to the frame.

"We also encourage our customers to get their bikes marked and registered, and we conduct regular cycle-marking surgeries.” 

Dan Simson, head of Direct Line Home Insurance, added: “Train stations are a prime target for thieves with high numbers left every day as individuals commute to work or school. 

"Many rely on their bikes for day-to-day transport making it incredibly inconvenient and expensive if their bike is stolen. 

“In the event of a theft, report it to the police as soon as possible.”

A spokesperson for the British Transport Police added: “We work very closely with our industry colleagues to find ways to prevent and tackle cycle crime, which we know has a big impact on passengers.

"This includes targeted patrols at hotspot locations, providing station operators with security advice, and running bike marking events at stations.

"We would encourage all passengers to secure their property the best they can, including by using secure bike storage facilities, where they are available, using double D-locks and getting their bikes marked and registered.

"Any cycle theft should be reported to us as soon as possible. You can do so by texting BTP on 61016 or via the Railway Guardian App.

"If you see a crime in progress, always call 999.”