BRITISH Transport Police are searching for five suspects following a spate of thefts, including one on the Shrewsbury to Crewe line.

Police are looking to trace four men and one woman, though the incidents are not thought to be related.

The first incident took place on a train between Cardiff and Manchester Piccadilly sometime between 12pm and 12.30pm on Friday, October 30, 2015.

It is believed the victim’s suitcase, which contained a Motorola mobile phone and other items totalling £200, could have been stolen at some point between Shrewsbury and Crewe.

However, the victim only realised it was missing when he went to leave the train at Manchester Piccadilly.

The second theft took place outside Starbucks at Manchester Piccadilly on Thursday, December 10 at around 5.20am. The victim was sleeping with his bag on the floor next to him.

A man next to him approached someone he knew and picked up the victim’s bag as he left.

The third incident took place between 12.30am and 1am on Sunday, December 20 at Manchester Piccadilly station.

The victim was approached by a woman he did not know, who leaned over him and touched his shoulders. When she left he realised his gold chain, worth £1,300 was missing.

The most recent incidents both took place on Saturday, 9 January.

The first, near to the main entrance at Manchester Piccadilly station at around 5.50am.

The victim dropped his phone as he fell asleep on a bench. A man circled the victim before sitting down next to him, picking up the phone and leaving the station.

The second occurred between 9.50pm and 10pm in the men’s toilets at Manchester Piccadilly.

The victim was drying his hands when he was approached by another man. Shortly afterwards he discovered that his wallet, which had been in the back pocket of his trousers, was missing.

Investigating officer, PC Lindsay Lightfoot, said: “We are confident that these incidents are not linked but we believe the people in the images could have vital information that would help our investigations into these respective incidents.

“If you recognise them or have any information please get in touch.

“It is vital that passengers keep their luggage and belongings with them or in sight at all times. Most of the theft that occurs is down to opportunists. Pay attention to your property.”

If you have any information call 0800 405040 or text 61016 quoting PSUB/B4 of 19/01/16.