THIS is Britain's most wanted cycle thief.

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Daniel Westrop after he failed to appear at Woking Magistrates' Court for sentencing on May 23.

Westrop, of Southend Lane, Lower Sydenham, had already pleaded guilty to nine bicycle thefts and asked for 93 other offences to be taken into consideration.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Sarah White of the British Transport Police said: "Westrop had been stealing bicycles for the past three years from various railway stations between Fleet and London Waterloo.

"He has caused distress and misery to many, many people, who have been left without a mode of transport and out of pocket because of his crimes."

Westrop was arrested on April 3 after an investigation into the thefts.

Det Con White says Westrop would mainly steal men's mountain bikes, which were locked up to cycle racks at railway stations, and then sell them on the black market.

The 27-year-old labourer would sometimes steal two bicycles from the same station in one day.

He mainly targeted stations at West Byfleet, Walton on Thames, Brookwood and Surbiton.

British Transport Police crime reduction officer PC Jerry Isterling says there are simple measures people can use to ensure they do not fall victim to bike crime.

He said: "A good quality lock and ensuring the bike is secured to a cycle rack, which are often covered by CCTV cameras at stations, can ensure owners minimise the risk of having their bike stolen.

"It's also important for bike owners to ensure they get their bikes marked and registered with immobiliser.co.uk.

"This ensures if their bike is recovered in the hands of a thief police can do sufficient checks and ensure recovered bikes can be reunited with their rightful owners."