Chiswick Police have charged a man after an Aladdin’s Cave of stolen bicycles were found during an investigation.

Enquiries began after a mountain bike was stolen outside Turnham Green tube station in November 2008. Officers from Turnham Green Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) conducted investigations which led them to an address in Hampstead, NW3 where they found a large number of stolen bikes, including high value bikes. Officers also found evidence linking the occupant to more than a hundred internet sales of cycles.

Mr Rocky Taylor, aged 32, of South Hill Park Gardens NW3, was charged last week with five counts of possessing criminal property and one count of possessing an article for fraudulent purposes.

He will appear at Feltham Magistrates Court on 28th July.

Sergeant Ben Clark of Turnham Green SNT said, "This was a lengthy investigation that began in Chiswick but led us across London. Bike theft is a big problem in the local area and beyond, and we can give advice on bike security to local people just give us a call on 020 8247 6415.

"Although several people have had their pride and joy returned to them, we would have been able to return every bike to it's rightful owner and also secured further charges if the bike frame numbers had been registered on www.immobilise.com I really would encourage bike owners to do this - if for no other reason than it means we can get your property back to you, and it could help to convict a criminal."

July 21, 2009