A POPULAR clown is appealing for his bike back after it was stolen while chained up outside a railway station.

Salvo, of Kingsleigh, Thundersley, had padlocked his bike to railings outside Benfleet station while he went to London to attend a meeting of actors’ union, Equity, and visit his 92-year-old mum.

But when he returned the bicycle was gone.

It is one of a number of cycles to have been stolen from the south east Essex area over the past week.

Salvo, who regularly performs in Southend High Street to raise money for charity, said: “I’d had a nice day out, but when I got back I found the padlock on the ground and no bike. It had been cut using a bolt cutter.

“I had a very long walk home. It took me about an hour to get back, which is not very nice.

“I hope I get the bike back, but I want to warn other people to be careful.”

The black and white mountain bike is worth about £200 and was given to Salvo by a friend earlier this year.

It was fitted with an anti-theft device which will help police identify it if it found.

The bike was the seventh cycle to be stolen in the past week.

Essex Police confirmed they are investigating. Crime reduction officer Lorna Watson said: “I would advise cyclists to make sure their bikes are securely locked.

“Secure your bike to something solid, for example a lamp post or a cycle rack.

“If you are using a chain make sure you wrap it around the frame a number of times and there is no slack in the chain.

“Think about buying a D-lock which can be more secure.

“Mark your cycle overtly to make it less attractive to thieves.”