Merseyside Police Help Drive Down Motorcycle Theft

Nationally motorbikes are becoming increasingly attractive to thieves, both opportunist and as part of organised criminal groups, and Merseyside Police took the opportunity to educate motorcyclists about safeguarding their machines.

The Vehicle Crime Group from Merseyside Police teamed up with the Steam Packet Company and Datatag to give crime prevention advice to around 4000 bikers heading through Liverpool's Pier Head port to this year's races.

Alongside providing bikers with information leaflets explaining ways they can make their machines less likely to be stolen, officers also examined bikes and as a result recovered 2 stolen bikes, 6 suspected stolen bikes and also made a number of arrests for handling stolen goods.

Sgt Martin Mayne, of Merseyside Police's Vehicle Crime Group, said: "Merseyside Police is constantly looking for new and innovative ways to target and reduce vehicle crime and given that Liverpool is a gateway to the TT races for people across the UK and Europe, it seemed an ideal time to get out into the motorcycling community and provide advice on how to protect your bikes.

"The initiative has been very well received by the motorcyling community, who are very aware of the impact - both financial and personal - that bike theft can have. Prevention is always better than a cure and everyone we have spoken to have found value in the advice we have given that will hopefully reduce the chance of falling victim to theft."

Following the success of this initiative, the Vehicle Crime Group have more operations planned to reduce other types of vehicle crime and theft in Merseyside.

For more information about safeguarding your vehicle please visit www.merseyside.police.uk