Police stepping up proactive work after spate of motocross bike thefts in Wiltshire

Man jailed last month

Author: Jack DeeryPublished 25th May 2022

Wiltshire Police say they are stepping up proactive work after a number of vehicle thefts across the county.

Officers have seen an increase in motocross bikes being stolen from secure sheds and garages.

The force says they have been working hard to apprehend offenders, provide prevention advice and carry out proactive work.

Last month, Benjamin Harper, 25, of Hartcliffe in Bristol, was jailed for 14 months at Salisbury Crown Court after pleading guilty to two counts of burglary.

Benjamin Harper has been jailed for 14 months

PC Ben Williams, from the Fortitude team, which has been proactively targeting offenders believed to be involved in this sort crime, welcomed the sentence:

“We know that these sorts of burglaries cause frustration, anger and financial harm to motorbike owners and we have been working hard to communicate with the motocross community to highlight the dangers of their bikes being targeted through social media, selling sites and bike shows.

“We would urge owners to be incredibly vigilant when attending these sorts of events or advertising bikes for sale over the internet or social media. Our advice would be to always be cautious, especially if you are trying to arrange to sell a bike, to make sure you aren’t inadvertently highlighting your valuable bike to potential criminals who might then try to steal it.

“The same goes for other vehicles, as well as scooters and pushbikes, and if you own a valuable vehicle then please consider investing in a tracking device to attach to your hard-earned property.

“We want to help ensure your property is as secure as possible and, should the worst ever happen, you have done everything within your power to ensure your bike is located.”

TIPS TO STAY SAFE

Wiltshire Police say you should do the following to help protect your motorbike safe.

  • Use a disc lock to help secure the front brake disc
  • Use a chain lock through the back wheel (the front wheel can be removed)
  • Using a cover instantly makes it less attractive to them
  • Remove the keys
  • Fitting an alarm can be a deterrent to thieves
  • Property mark the parts
  • When at home the best place to keep your motorcycle, moped or scooter is in your garage or shed

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