Warning to Wirral bikers following thefts (From Wirral Globe)

Warning to Wirral bikers following thefts

12:00pm Friday 31st August 2012 in News

WIRRAL motorcyclists are being urged to lock their motorbikes following a spate of thefts.

Police say that of the 10 stolen across Wallasey, Birkenhead, Moreton, Upton and Prenton, just two were locked up properly.

And most of the thefts have happened overnight while motorbikes and mopeds have been parked outside the owner’s homes.

Sergeant Cath Squire from Wallasey police station said: “We have seen a small increase this month in motorbike and moped thefts and in most of these cases they have either not been locked up at all or could have been secured better.

"These thefts are preventable as thieves are being opportunistic and waiting to come across a bike that is easier to steal than the next one.

"They don't care that these bikes cost hundreds or even thousands of pounds but owners are being left distraught when they wake up the next morning to find their bike gone.

"Bikers can play their part in making life difficult for thieves by always parking their bike out of sight in a garage or yard and secured using a heavy-duty chain made by a specialist manufacturer.

"Further crime prevention advice is available from people's local neighbourhood officers and I would urge people to make use of that service.

"It only takes a few minutes to secure and protect your property properly but a long time and a lot of money to replace it."

In response to the string of thefts, police officers managed to recover a Triumph Trophy motorbike in Ashville Road, Birkenhead, before its owner knew it was gone.

And on August 1, a Cagiva bike was taken from Greenhey’s Road, Wallasey and four days later an Aprilia 125 was taken from Needham Crescent, Birkenhead.

Police believe many of the bikes are being stolen by people wanting to ride them for a short while before dumping them elsewhere.

Sgt Squire added: "We do not believe these bikes are being stolen to order or that an organised criminal gang is at work. These thefts are opportunist and easily deterred by people taking the simple step of locking them up better."