POLICE have released the image of a woman in connection to the theft of a bag carrying £2,000 worth of items on a train between Crewe and Preston.

The theft happened at about 8.10pm on Thursday, 17 October, as a 47-year-old woman travelled on-board a Virgin service heading for Edinburgh.

British Transport Police has released the CCTV image and asks anyone who recognises her to get in touch immediately.

PC Adam Heslop said: “The woman got on the train at Crewe, placed her bag in the luggage rack, and sat near to the bag.

“When the woman came to collect her bag, which contained a laptop worth £1,200 and approximately £600 of designer clothes, she discovered someone had taken it.

“We have carried out a number of enquiries to date and have determined that the thief picked up the victim’s bag as the train pulled into Wigan North Western station and then left the train.

“Those same enquiries have enabled us to isolate the woman in the CCTV image who, we believe, has vital information about the theft.”

If you recognise the woman, or have any information about the incident, please contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. In all calls please quote log NWA/B10 of 3/12/13.

PC Heslop added: “Theft from trains is, sadly, an increasing problem and BTP works closely with train companies to limit opportunities for thieves and to trace those thieves who persist in targeting rail passengers.

“Passengers can also take steps to protect themselves from the advances of thieves by making themselves aware of some of the tactics most often used by criminals.”

The tactics most commonly used can be found on a special website (http://www.btp.police.uk/theft) developed by BTP to advise and inform passengers.