Merseyside police recover and return motorbikes stolen from Isle of Man TT tourists in Liverpool

Merseyside Police have recovered and returned two motorbikes belonging to German tourists, who were visiting Liverpool on their way to the annual Isle of Man TT races.

The bikes – a Honda Africa Twin and a Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX – were taken in the early hours of Tuesday, May 28, leaving the German riders with no choice but to head to the island without them.

• Related: BMW create heritage 500 twin for TT parade lap
• Related: Rutter family honoured at Isle of Man TT 2024

However, thanks to the efforts of local officers and a call from a concerned member of the public, the bikes were found on the same day and subsequently returned to their rightful owners.

“It is great to be able to reunite two victims of crime with their beloved motorcycles over on the Isle of Man so that they can enjoy the rest of the TT Festival,” Sergeant Craig Winstanley said. “This was only possible thanks to great partnerships we have here in Liverpool between Merseyside Police and the business community.”

Those travelling to the IoM TT from the UK mainland must do so using ferries which dock at either Liverpool or Heysham, with ferry company Steam Packet claiming to carry more than 13,000 machines to and from the island during the racing fortnight.

Sgt Winstanley added: “I personally want to thank the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company for accommodating the two motorcycles on a later ferry and their assistance with reuniting the motorcycles with their owners in the Isle of Man once the ferry had docked.”

• Related: Travelling TT marshals provide vital volunteer service

According to Merseyside Police, the motorcycles were sent to the Isle of Man following a joint effort between the local City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team, the Roads Policing Unit, the Force Contact Centre, and the DVLA Liaison Manager.

“Merseyside Police and our partners are committed to preventing thefts of motorcycles and have launched Operation Needle to reassure motorcyclists and visitors to Liverpool City Centre and target those who are intent on stealing motorcycles during the Isle of Man TT Festival,” the officer continued.

According to the force, Operation Needle is in place to prevent the theft of motorcycles in Liverpool city centre, as well as crimes enabled by two wheelers, too.