Lock it, tag it or lose it message to TT racegoers

Merseyside is again gearing up to welcome motorcyclists and racegoers from across the world in the run up to the Isle of Man TT Races.
 
The event, which runs from 27 May to 8 June, has racegoers travelling on their motorcycles and stopping in Liverpool to enjoy the city, before they continue their journey via ferry from Liverpool to the Isle of Man.
 
Working with other agencies and local hotels and car parks Op Needle is making sure the thousands of visitors to the city have an enjoyable and safe trip by targeting resources in the areas where they are most needed where motorcycles are parked while their riders relax and take in this historic and vibrant city.  The focus of Op Needle is to prevent theft of and from motorcycles, reassure motorcyclists and visitors to Liverpool City Centre, identify, disrupt and find those involved in the theft of and from motorcycles.  

We always engage with riders visiting the city and we are happy to advise on issues surrounding theft, we do this by practical advice, deploying more officers in the areas where bikes are kept and handing out heavy chains at several hotels to help secure motorcycles and prevent them from being stolen.

Sergeant Craig Winstanley, Op Needle, said; “This year we are running Op Needle where officers will be out and about to make sure riders are advised on where to park safely and how to secure their motorcycles to help prevent crime. Last year our operation was so successful theft of motorcycles was cut by over half.  

“Liverpool is a fantastic city and we want everyone visiting, on their way to the TT, to remember their time here for the right reasons and ask that riders take sensible steps to look after their own motorcycles and report any issues or concerns to us.

“You will see more officers in the city with local businesses, hotels and car parks working with us to put safety measures in place and ensure that CCTV and the network of communication across the city is fully utilised to keep safety at the forefront of our operation.

“We have previously been able to recover stolen motorcycles because of the methods we use and this year we are doing even more to make that happen.  We now ask bikers to make sure they leave details at the hotels about their motorcycles so that should we find any motorbikes or have need to speak with a motorbike owner it is a lot easier for everyone, we know who the bike belongs to and can reunite them.  We want everyone to enjoy our great city and watch out for each other so please do contact us if you see any suspicious activity.” 
 
Please follow our top tips for keeping your motorcycle safe:
 
- Use a good quality lock, or two
- Always park in a well-lit area
- If riding in a group – lock your bikes up together
- Don’t park in the same place – vary your parking location
- Consider using a forensic marking system
- Look out for other bikers – if you see someone trying to steal a bike, don’t try to stop them, call 999
- If you see any suspicious activity around a bike, call 101
- If you have any information about motorcycle thefts or crime, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 
 
Anyone with information on bike theft is asked to speak to officers, message @MerPolCC, call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.