British Transport Police are appealing for the public’s help to identify a man they would like to speak to in connection with the theft of a passenger’s handbag from a train.

Officers believe the man in this photograph will have information which can assist the investigation into the incident which took place on Saturday, September 6.

PC Amy Perry, investigating officer, said: “The victim, a 31-year-old woman from Trowbridge, was travelling home on the last train of the evening from Bath Spa following a night out.

“She left her brown clutch handbag on a seat after getting off the train at Trowbridge. Unfortunately, the train had already departed the station before she realised.

“The bag was not subsequently found by rail staff and has not been handed in to any police station or lost property office.”

Enquiries have been ongoing to identify establish who took the bag from the train.

PC Perry said: “I am now appealing for anyone who recognises the man in this photograph to come forward as I believe he will have information which can assist the investigation.

“The man in the photograph travelled on the same train as the victim and got off the service at Westbury station.”

Anyone with information is asked to call British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016.

Alternatively the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

In all calls, quote incident reference GSUB/B6 of 07/10/14.

This appeal follows BTP’s launch of Operation Magnum, a crackdown on theft of passenger property on the railway. As part of the initiative, officers have issued video clips to help the travelling public spot the most common tricks thieves use.

Op Magnum sees BTP officers work with train operating companies and local police forces to disrupt and deter pickpockets who prey on unsuspecting commuters and tourists at busy stations, thieves who brazenly snatch expensive smartphones and tablets from distracted passengers’ hands and those who steal luggage and valuables on trains.

Videos featured on the Op Magnum website (www.btp.police.uk/theft) and the BTP YouTube channel show passengers the 13 most common tricks thieves use, while anti-theft surgeries will see passengers handed crime prevention leaflets with advice on how to protect themselves from thieves.

There are a number of other steps people can take to keep their property as safe as possible when on the rail network.

• Keep purses secure and carry wallets in an inside pocket

• Zip up hand and shoulder bags

• Carry bags in front of you, with flaps against your body

• Keep straps short and bags tucked under your arm

• Don't display jewellery, mobile phones and MP3 players

• Don't show your money - keep it safely in your pocket

• Stay alert and aware of what's going on around you when using your phone in public

• Keep your luggage close by and check it regularly

If you think your property has been stolen:

• Stay calm and don't panic. Report it to a member of transport staff or a police officer straight away

• Report a theft on the railway or London Underground to British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016.

In an emergency, always dial 999