Police warning over sports bike thefts

Police have issued warnings to riders over a rise in thefts of sports bikes by organised criminals.

Thames Valley Police, covering one of the biggest force areas in the UK, said one town alone had been hit by a reported bike theft per day over the last six weeks.

The force’s PC Ian Jarvis said: “There have been a total of 42 motorbike thefts in the last six weeks across Milton Keynes.” A force spokesman said the rate was “much higher than usual”.

And in Leicestershire, 53 motorcycles were stolen during June compared to 31 the previous month.

Leicestershire Police’s Chief Inspector Andy Lee warned: “Intelligence suggests these crimes are being committed by organised groups and that there is more than one operating in the East Midlands area.”

A warning issued by Thames Valley Police states: “Be vigilant following a recent rise in the theft of high performance motor bikes.

“Bikes have been stolen from outside homes and from inside secure domestic garages. One tactic being used by offenders is placing a large object, such as a wheelie bin, outside the front door of properties to hamper the home owner if they are disturbed.”