Kent Police urge bikers to be vigilant after string of motorcycles stolen across January

Kent Police have issued a warning to bikers across the county after multiple motorcycles were targeted by thieves in January.

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According to the force, emergency call handlers received eight reports of vehicle theft, and two reports of attempted thefts between January 3 and January 19 – with the offences taking place at addresses across Gillingham, Chatham, Rochester, and Strood.

On each occasion, it is alleged that a group of men attended people’s homes to steal the bikes. Kent Police say they are treating them as isolated incidents and have since confirmed to MCN that no arrests have been made at this time.

“Our officers advise owners to ensure that, wherever possible, their bike has layers of security which will deter opportunist thieves or organised criminals from targeting their property,” a spokesperson for the force told MCN. “If kept in a garage, do not assume that no additional security is needed.”

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On top of providing advice on secure storage, Kent Police are soon to be teaming up with members of the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) to deliver an interactive in-person event in Rochester.

Taking place on Saturday 15 February, between 2pm and 6pm, at the Blue Boar Lane car park in the town, it’s the latest in a run of meetings supported by Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Scott.

Three gatherings took place at the back end of 2024, with alarms, locks, anchors and security marking equipment all handed out to bikers that came along.

“It shouldn’t be this way, but unfortunately motorcycles are magpie objects that glitter in the sunlight and people nick them,” MAG South East Regional Representative, Stephen Mallett told MCN at the time.

Anyone with information relating to the motorcycle thefts is urged to contact the north Kent appeals line on 01634 792209, quoting reference 46/5016/25.