Less bikes have been nicked from south London stations in the last year as transport police continue to clamp down on callous two-wheeled thieves.

According to figures released to Newsquest's Data Investigations Unit, approximately 165 bicycles have been stolen from railways stations in Croydon and Sutton in the past three years, with latter worst affected as 83 bikes being taken from Sutton stations.

However, out of the stations which held this information, the number of reported thefts across both areas has dropped by more than a quarter in the last year.

Sutton station was hit the hardest by bike thieves with 40 being reported stolen since 2016 with East Croydon following suit as 29 bikes were lifted within the same time period.

However, both stations also showed to be the busiest across both boroughs with more than 23 million estimated passengers passing though East Croydon each year alone while approximately 6 million use Sutton station annually.

When asked to comment on the thefts, a BTP spokesperson said: "Unfortunately, bicycles remain a popular target for opportunistic thieves and British Transport Police works closely with train operating companies to improve security at

cycle storage facilities throughout England, Scotland and Wales.

"To help prevent crime, we urge cyclists to invest in good quality D-locks and ensure their bikes are securely marked and registered at www.bikeregister.com.

"Getting your cycle registered helps police trace recovered cycles and return them to their owners. Additionally, it makes your property less appealing to would-be thieves."

This revelation comes after the Department for Transport recently announced a £6.8 million cash boost to install an extra 2,300 cycle spaces at 48 stations across England where commuters can safely park and secure their bikes.

Speaking on the June announcement, Cycling and Walking Minister Michael Ellis said: "Cycling to your nearest station and catching a train to work is a great way to keep healthy, reduce emissions and help make our towns and cities vibrant places to live.

"But to make this a reality, I know that the right infrastructure needs to be in place.

"This latest investment will see many more stations become accessible for cyclists, so that greener travel options, whether as part of a longer or shorter journey, become the norm."