Crime-buster's uniform used in raid

David Hatcher presented the crime desk spot

A policeman who helped present the BBC's Crimewatch UK programme has had his uniform and truncheon stolen and used by a thief in a robbery.

Chief Superintendent David Hatcher's car boot was forced open and his British Transport Police uniform, hat, Nato jumper, helmet, stab-proof vest, high-visibility jacket and side-handled baton were all stolen.

A few hours later, two men tried to rob a petrol station - one wearing the uniform and brandishing the baton.

The car of Mr Hatcher's colleague Chief Superintendent Peter Hilton was also broken into and a briefcase containing confidential details about the Hatfield train crash stolen.

It happens to people every day of the week

British Transport Police officer

The officers had been staying at the four-star £135-a-night Berystede Hotel before a conference at Bramshill in Hampshire the next morning.

Handcuffs, another baton, a laptop computer, a police radio and flame-proof overalls were also stolen from one of the cars.

Mr Hatcher's uniform was found discarded near the garage, at Denham in Buckinghamshire, after the failed robbery on Monday.

A British Transport Police officer dismissed accusations that Mr Hatcher took inadequate care of his equipment.

Crime desk

"He can't be criticised too much," he said.

"It happens to people every day of the week."

A Thames Valley Police spokesman said they were investigating the crimes.

Mr Hatcher, who became friends with fellow presenters Jill Dando and Nick Ross, presented the photo-call and crime desk spot on Crimewatch UK with Detective Constable Jacqui Hames.