How to Avoid Naked Confrontations

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Police offer advice on how to secure your two-wheeled transportation

Local resident Marcus Alexander describes chasing thieves whilst naked

Over 15,000 motorcycle, moped and scooters were stolen in London in the last year - half of all vehicles stolen in London.

It takes a matter of seconds for a thief to steal a moped, scooter or motorcycle, especially if they are left either unsecured or with inadequate security.

Remove the keys

Thieves are often opportunists and so they will look for bikes that are quick and easy to steal first.

Always use the steering lock and remove the ignition keys, even if you are close by or away for a few minutes. It only takes a few seconds for a thief so don’t make it easy for them.

Lock your bike

• Never rely on just using your steering lock to secure your bike.

• A common method used by thieves to steal a bike is to break the steering lock and simply wheel the bike away.

• Use a chain lock through the back wheel (the front wheel can be removed easily so won’t help). Where possible, secure your bike, with the lock off the ground, to an immovable object such as a ground anchor, railings or lamp post, which will also stop thieves from just picking the whole bike up.

• If these options aren’t available, always try to thread the chain through your bike frame and back wheel if the design allows it. This helps protect parts being stolen and stops thieves from simply using a hammer or angle grinder to break the lock if it’s left trailing on the ground.

• Using a disc lock helps to secure the front brake disc to physically stop it from being wheeled away. Use a grip lock to secure the brake and throttle controls.

Use a cover- just doing this can mean thieves don’t ‘see’ it.

• Thieves often ‘shop’ for particular bike models, so using a bike cover instantly makes it less attractive to them, as they can’t see if it’s the model they are interested in. A cover also provides another time consuming obstacle for the thief.

Fitting an alarm can be a deterrent to thieves.

• Consider fitting a Thatcham-rated 1 or 2 alarm system with tracking, immobilisation, anti-grab and movement sensors can help protect and trace your vehicle.

• A quality Thatcham approved, professionally fitted alarm system will not only put off thieves, but could also reduce your insurance premiums.

Property mark the parts

• Marking as much of your bike as possible will make it more difficult for criminals to sell parts on, and therefore less attractive to steal.  It will also help police identify parts and return recovered stolen bikes.

• There are a range of bike marking providers that you can use.

When at home the best place to keep your motorcycle, moped or scooter is in your garage or shed

• Fit a garage door defender or upgrade garage door locks.

• Garage and shed alarms as well as low level dusk to dawn lighting will also enhance security. Fitting a ground anchor also provides extra security.

• Motorcycle lockers are also available to store your bike at home.

No shed or garage? Park in the safest place you can

• Park it in an area near to your home where it’s well overlooked with good lighting.

• A Park Mark approved car park has a higher level of security than other car parks.

• If your bike is stolen - Never put yourself at risk. Call police immediately on 999 if you see it being stolen or 101 if you discover it has gone.

What we’re doing to reduce scooter theft

• Regular operations to identify, disrupt and arrest offenders.

• Educating the public on the steps they can take to help reduce their vulnerability to both theft of scooters and theft snatch.

• Speaking to companies that use scooters as delivery vehicles about strategies to improve the safety of their bikes.

Help us to reduce further crime

• Stolen scooters are increasingly being used to commit further crimes, such as phone snatches. By protecting your scooter you could help to reduce these other crimes.

• We are working hard to identify and arrest offenders that use scooters to commit theft and robbery. 

September 29, 2017