Reminder to ‘lock, chain and cover’ as motorbike theft continues across Cambridgeshire

Police are urging people to secure their bikes following a rise in motorbike thefts.

Unsecure motorcycles, scooters and mopeds are being targeted by thieves at a rate of almost two a day as they are lightweight and can be wheeled away easily.

Between June 27 and July23 there have been 49 reported thefts of which 43 have taken place in Cambridge and the others in Cambourne, Cottenham, Great Shelford and Abbots Ripton.

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Page said: “We’re seeing an increase in mopeds, scooters and motorbikes of all makes and models being taken from driveways, car parks and public places by simply being wheeled away.

“Thieves only need a matter of seconds to steal one, especially if they are left with poor security. We’re asking people to ‘lock, chain and cover’.”

Police have increased patrols and so far, one moped stolen on 7 July from Cambridge has been recovered.

Security tips include:Use a disc lock to help secure the front bake disc; use a chain lock through the back wheel and where possible secure your bike, with the lock to an immovable object like a ground anchor or street furniture.

Finally thieves often ‘shop’ for particular models so using a cover instantly makes it less attractive to them.

There are other measure that can be taken including fitting an alarm, marking parts of the bike to make them difficult for criminals to sell on, keeping your bike in a garage or shed or in a well-lit area with CCTV.

More advice is available here: https://www.cambs.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-vehicles-safe/theft-motorcycles-scooters/