Operation Angle Grinder launched to drive down bike theft.

The number of bike thefts tends to increase during the Spring and Summer months and Leicestershire Constabulary are urging motorcyclists to think about what bike security they use. Top tips to help avoid motorcycle theft.

In the last 30 days 45 motorbikes or mopeds have been stolen across the County. This includes 9 bikes that were stolen after the owners house was burgled. To drive down the problem, South Leicestershire police have just launched Operation Angle-Grinder, a campaign to combat the theft of high powered motorbikes.

Chief Inspector Andy Lee of South area police said: “As the weather gets nicer, more people go out for a ride on their bikes and we tend to see an increase in thefts as people leave their bikes on display or unlocked.

“We've already had 45 bikes stolen across the county in the last 30 days and we'd like to remind bikers to do everything possible to keep their bike secure."

“Even if the bike is locked inside your garage it is important to alarm the area and lock it up.”

"Scooters are also targets for thieves and more motorbikes and scooters are stolen than cars. Make it difficult for thieves by applying some basic security techniques."

If your motorbike or scooter doesn't already have one, get a ‘Thatcham'- or ‘Sold Secure'- approved electronic immobiliser professionally fitted. Try to get one which is also approved by your insurance company.
If you have a security device, use it and keep your keys with you when you leave your machine.
Always put the steering lock on.
Never leave your keys with the motorbike or scooter, even for a short time. Always keep your keys in a safe place when you are at home.
Wherever possible, use parking spaces which are built especially for motorbikes and have stands or security loops for you to secure your machine to. Also, look for secured motorbike or scooter parking spaces in public car parks which are in the police-approved ‘Secure Car Parks' scheme.
When you are not using your motorbike or scooter, put it in your garage (if you have one) and make sure it has good locks. If you do not have a garage, ground anchors are a good bet.
Get the main parts of your machine marked with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) (frame number), registration number or postcode.
Cover your machine if possible.
Whenever possible, avoid leaving your helmet or other possessions on the motorbike or scooter or in luggage space on panniers.

PC Day continued; "If bikers follow the above advice they will greatly reduce the chances of getting their bike stolen.

For more information on bike security please log on to the Force website at www.leics.police.uk or call Leicester (0116) 222 2222 and ask to speak to a Crime Reduction Officer or Community Initiatives Co-ordinator.