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7th July 2008
Police warning over sports bike thefts

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Police have issued warnings to riders over a rise in thefts of sports bikes by organised criminals. 

North West London worst for motorcycle theft
North West London has been identified as the worst place in the country for theft in an insurance survey.

The survey, by Carole Nash, places London regions in all top five places. The worst place outside the capital is Liverpool. 

Police warning over theft from garages
Police have warned of a rise in motorcycle thefts from owner’s garages.

A Hampshire Police spokesman said: “We’ve recently had a spate of motorcycle thefts from garages.”

The force has been unable as yet to provide figures but the spokesman added: “We know there’s been an issue with it this last couple of months or so.” He said the force was preparing advice for riders to minimise their risk of being a victim.

Thames Valley Police, covering one of the biggest force areas in the UK, said one town alone had been hit by a reported bike theft per day over the last six weeks.

The force’s PC Ian Jarvis said: “There have been a total of 42 motorbike thefts in the last six weeks across Milton Keynes.” A force spokesman said the rate was “much higher than usual”.

And in Leicestershire, 53 motorcycles were stolen during June compared to 31 the previous month.

Leicestershire Police’s Chief Inspector Andy Lee warned: “Intelligence suggests these crimes are being committed by organised groups and that there is more than one operating in the East Midlands area.”

A warning issued by Thames Valley Police states: “Be vigilant following a recent rise in the theft of high performance motor bikes.

“Bikes have been stolen from outside homes and from inside secure domestic garages. One tactic being used by offenders is placing a large object, such as a wheelie bin, outside the front door of properties to hamper the home owner if they are disturbed.”

Vehicle theft expert Ken German, who sits on the Motorcycle Crime Reduction Group (MCRG), said thefts from garages indicated organised criminals were at work.

“Nobody does a garage for the sake of it. You’ve got to know what’s inside,” he said.

"Consider a ground anchor as this provides good and simple security. You may want to buy a silent alarm which alerts you if someone attempts to enter your garage.” 

“Don't leave the garage keys in an obvious place, as thieves will break into your home to retrieve them if they are easily accessible. And always remember to lock the garage.

“Keep all your keys in a safe and hidden place, well away from doors, windows, and catflaps. This way your keys cannot be seen from outside and thieves cannot "fish" for keys through openings.”