Hoping for a scooter this Christmas? Protect it from thieves

POLICE urge anyone expecting a scooter as a gift to protect it from thieves and avoid a nightmare after Christmas.

Crime reduction officer Dene Tinker issued several top tips to ensure that bikers enjoy their rides well into the new year.

These include buying a “sold secure” kitemarked chain, for fixing the scooter to an immovable object, as well as a disc lock.

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These locks should be used even when the bike is secured in a garage.

Other tips include fitting an alarm and immobiliser, or removing spark plugs or fuses to immobilise the scooter.

Leaving the vehicle in view of a security camera and motion sensor light is also recommended, when parked outside.

Keeping the bike out of sight is wise, perhaps by covering it or parking behind other vehicles.

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And a GPS tracking device which can transmit the bike’s location is also highly recommended.

Dene added: “We hope you enjoy your first steps into motoring, but please don’t be tempted or persuaded by your friends to let them have a go.

“If they’re not insured on the bike and they’re caught, your new pride and joy can be seized and impounded.”

Other tips include:

  • When riding home, make sure you are not being followed.
  • Stay alert for suspicious vans or trucks driving around late at night. These can be used to transport stolen motorcycles.
  • When riding in a group, park your bikes together.
  • Consider marking your bike in a unique way that could dissuade thieves —if it is then stolen, it can make tracing you slightly easier as well.

Anyone with concerns about vehicle crime, or with information about people committing vehicle crimes, can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.