A WOMAN who stole bicycle wheels from Oxford railway station has been banned from the city centre following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

Charlotte Pauling, 33, of no fixed address, was found guilty of theft at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on November 13.

Pauling was sentenced to 15 weeks in prison and was handed a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) for three years.

The CBO bans Pauling from Oxford city centre, including the train station, and to the east side of the city, except to attend pre-arranged agreed appointments.

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The order also restricts Pauling from being in possession of a bicycle, unless it has been properly registered with Thames Valley Police.

On July 8, Pauling stole two wheels from a locked bicycle at Oxford station.

From CCTV footage, BTP officers were able to immediately identify Pauling after recognising her from community engagement work.

BTP superintendent and cycle crime lead, Mark Cleland, said: "This is a fantastic example of a multi-agency approach in bringing a well-known trouble-maker to justice.

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"Granting the CBO was a joint effort between several local agencies including: Thames Valley Police, Great Western Railway, Oxford University, Oxford City Council and local cycling group – CycleOX.

"Our officers will continue to work alongside our industry partners to disrupt cycle related crimes in Oxford and investigate new ways to keep passenger’s belongings safe.

"I hope this sentence serves as a deterrent to would be bike thieves –  they should be aware that the BTP and the courts will seek prison sentences."