Motorbike Thefts on the Increase Warn Police
| Published: 27th April 2008 01:03 |
The police across the North of Leicestershire are urging motorcyclists to think about bike security as the number of bike thefts tends to increase during the Spring and Summer months.
Since the 1st March 2008 there have been 43 motorbikes/mopeds stolen across the North which covers Loughborough, North West Leicestershire, Charnwood, Melton and Rutland. That compares with 26 in the six week period prior to 1st March.
Twelve have been stolen from the Loughborough area, seven from Charnwood, seven from Melton, two from Rutland and fifteen from North West Leicestershire.
Detective Inspector, Mark Hopkins, said; "As the weather gets nicer, more people go out for a ride on their bikes and we tend to see an increase in thefts as people leave their bikes on display or unlocked. We've already had 43 bikes stolen across the North in the last six weeks and we'd like to remind bikers to do everything possible to keep their bike secure."
"Scooters are also targets for thieves and more motorbikes and scooters are stolen than cars. Make it difficult for thieves by applying some basic security techniques."
- If your motorbike or scooter doesn't already have one, get a ‘Thatcham'- or ‘Sold Secure'- approved electronic immobiliser professionally fitted. Try to get one which is also approved by your insurance company.
- If you have a security device, use it and keep your keys with you when you leave your machine.
- Always put the steering lock on.
- Never leave your keys with the motorbike or scooter, even for a short time. Always keep your keys in a safe place when you are at home.
- Wherever possible, use parking spaces which are built especially for motorbikes and have stands or security loops for you to secure your machine to. Also, look for secured motorbike or scooter parking spaces in public car parks which are in the police-approved ‘Secure Car Parks' scheme.
- When you are not using your motorbike or scooter, put it in your garage (if you have one) and make sure it has good locks. If you do not have a garage, ground anchors are a good bet.
- Get the main parts of your machine marked with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) (frame number), registration number or postcode.
- Cover your machine if possible.
- Whenever possible, avoid leaving your helmet or other possessions on the motorbike or scooter or in luggage space on panniers.
DI Hopkins continued; "If bikers follow the above advice they will greatly reduce the chances of getting their bike stolen. Thieves are not just after high performance bikes either, of the 43 that have been stolen, that majority of them had a 125cc engine."
For more information on bike security please log on to the Force website at http://www.leics.police.uk/news/ or call Leicester (0116) 222 2222 and ask to speak to a Crime Reduction Officer or Community Initiatives Co-ordinator.
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