Theft of motorcycles is a national issue but local bikers will be aware that there have been a number of thefts of motorcycles across Sefton and Merseyside as a whole over recent months. In the last two weeks four stolen motorcycles have been recovered including two stolen from Southport in August, but there are still more outstanding.


We know you want us to catch these criminals.
We want the same.


We understand your frustration, when it looks like nothing is being done.
A lot of work is being done behind the scenes towards reducing and resolving this issue.
We need your support and information.

Please help us in the following ways:


SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media can be of great value in spreading awareness of incidents quickly and to many people. A difficulty for ourselves is that information or sightings of suspects or stolen bikes gets posted on multiple different pages on Facebook or other social media platforms and in many cases, are never actually reported to the police. Please help us by being specific when you post details of sightings:

Where?
What time?
What direction of travel?
What make/model of bike?
What registration plate showing?
Do you know where stolen motorcycles are being stored?
The more detail the better.


As well as posting it on social media group pages, please also make sure you report it on the MERSEYSIDE POLICE CONTACT CENTRE PAGE on Facebook or on Twitter @MerPolCC It's important that we get up to date information and not old information repeated.


Increase your privacy settings on your social media platforms and be wary how much personal information you give away. So if you have a profile picture of you on your bike and your page states where you live and where you work, this is how thieves can target YOUR bike. Be careful what you post in public.


BIKE SECURITY
Thieves may target specific makes and models of bike, so if you must leave your bike parked up on the road or at work, or even on your own driveway, use a cover to make it less easy to identify. Most covers have holes for locks to secure your bike through. Secure your bike with strong locks at both front and rear.


Park your bike where there is good CCTV or in a busy area where there are likely to be a lot of witnesses.


Consider fitting an alarm and tracker. You may even get a discount on your bike insurance by doing this.


Of course, none of this should be necessary, but the sad reality is that we, as bikers, need to give this more consideration at this time. Work continues across multiple different strands and departments within Merseyside Police to arrest and prosecute motorcycle thieves. Please work together with us to reduce this type of crime.


It looks like the weather is going to hold for Saturday. Ride Safe: Get Back Safe