British Transport Police has released CCTV images of two men they want to speak to in connection with two bike thefts.

The first incident happened at Deal station on Thursday, February 20.

Detective Sergeant Leigh Marshall said: “The bike, a silver and blue Apollo worth £100, was locked up at the cycle rack in front of the station shortly before 12.30pm.

“An hour later a man stole the bike before boarding a Ramsgate-bound train.”

The second theft happened at Margate station on Thursday, March 6, at around 8.30am.

DS Marshall added: “A large silver mountain bike, worth £300, was taken from a locked yard used by workmen.

“The thief got into the yard via the station platform, stealing the cycle before boarding a Faversham-bound train.

“We believe the men in the CCTV stills can help us with our investigation into these two incidents and would ask anyone who recognises them to contact us.”

DS Marshall explained that bikes are a popular target for thieves but there are steps people can take to reduce the chance of becoming a victim of crime.

He added: “All cyclists should ensure they use a solid lock and register their bikes for free at www.bikeregister.com as it makes identification much easier should stolen bikes be recovered.

“BTP officers run regular cycle surgeries at stations where they can mark bikes with a unique ID number.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference SSUB/B11 of 23/06/2014.

Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.