Enhanced security in Liverpool ahead of Isle of Man TT

Enhanced security measures are in place in Liverpool from this weekend as the city welcomes motorcyclists and racegoers from across the world in the run up to the Isle of Man TT Races.
 
The event, which runs from Monday 26 May to Saturday 7 June, will see racegoers on their motorcycles stopping in Liverpool to enjoy the city, before they continue to the Isle of Man via ferry from Liverpool.

Working with other agencies, local hotels and car parks, Merseyside Police’s Isle of Man TT Operation Needle is making sure the thousands of visitors to the city have an enjoyable and safe trip.

We are targeting our resources where they are most needed, including where motorcycles are parked while their riders enjoy everything our historic and vibrant city has to offer.

The focus of Op Needle is to prevent theft of and from motorcycles, reassure motorcyclists and visitors to Liverpool city centre, and to identify, disrupt and bring to justice anyone involved in motorcycle theft.  

The operation is co-ordinated with Liverpool City Council, Liverpool BID Company, Lancashire Constabulary, Isle of Man Constabulary and departments across Merseyside Police.

Financial support from the National Vehicle Crime Reduction Partnership (NVCRP), the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) and the Motorcycle Action Group Foundation has allowed the roll-out of enhanced security measures in the city. The funding will help pay for additional barriers close to hotels and other areas where motorcycles are parked during their riders’ stays in the city. In addition, electronic detection equipment will be deployed to monitor sites and identify any suspicious activity.  Heavy Oxford bike chains will also be issued to waterfront hotels to be made available for hire by bike owners.

During the Isle of Man TT in 2023 and 2024, there were five reported thefts each year in Liverpool linked to people travelling to and from the Isle of Man TT, down from 12 in 2022. Following collaborative work involving many of the partner agencies involved, three of the five bikes stolen last year were recovered and returned to their owners. 

Sergeant Craig Winstanley, from Op Needle, said: “Our officers will be out in the city centre to ensure riders are advised where to park safely and how to secure their motorcycles to help prevent crime.  

“We have had successful operations in recent years, with thefts of motorcycles cut from 2022, and this year, thanks to support from the NVCRP, BMF and Motorcycle Action Group Foundation, we will have more measures than ever to help protect bike owners from theft.

“Liverpool is a fantastic city and we want everyone visiting to remember their time here for the right reasons. We ask that riders make use of the tools available look after their 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 returned three out of five stolen bikes last year to their grateful owners, and we now ask bikers to make sure they leave details at the hotels about their motorcycles. If they do, it makes the process of reuniting the rider with their bike far easier and quicker should we recover it.

“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.” 

Mark Kameen, NVCRP Project Lead, said: "Supporting safer motorcycle parking during the Isle of Man TT is a great example of what can be achieved through an effective partnership response.

"The NVCRP are proud to be partnering with Merseyside Police, the Motorcycle Action Group Foundation and the British Motorcyclists Federation, to help ensure riders can enjoy Liverpool with greater peace of mind.

"Motorcyclists can sometimes be overlooked when tackling organised vehicle crime, so I'm delighted to see the efforts Merseyside Police are taking with this initiative.

"It is vital that we continue to invest in motorcycle safety and security and this is another positive example of how public/private sector funding initiatives can provide real benefits in tackling organised vehicle crime."

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 should contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’. You can also report information via our website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or call 101.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously In an emergency always call 999.

Click here for a video with further safety advice for motorcyclists visiting Liverpool: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gy9xRvSDwks