Thieves targeting bikes
Thieves are targeting bikers in Cheltenham and Tewkesbury.
Police are appealing to motorcyclists to keep their vehicles secure following a spate of thefts in the region.
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Inspector Paul Cruise said: "since the beginning of the year, 12 motorbikes and two quad bikes have been stolen in the Cheltenham and Tewkesbury areas and we're keen to see this number reduce, but we need motorcyclists' help to achieve this.
"The best way to help us prevent bike theft is to make sure you keep your motorbike secure when it's not in use.
"It sounds obvious but it is very easy to think your bike is secure in a garage or shed but we advise you take additional steps to make it a less attractive target for thieves."
The most recent theft was reported to Police yesterday (Monday) evening.
Between 8pm and 10.30pm, offenders stole an unlocked yellow Triumph Daytona T595 motorbike from a driveway in Severn Way, Apperley.
Insp Cruise added: "Think about your bike, not just as the whole item, but also it's separate pieces and take measures to keep its component parts safe. This reduces any opportunities for potential thieves."
Police advise you take the following steps to prevent bike theft:
• Always lock your bike and set its alarm
• Think about where you park - try to park where there are lots of people passing, good lighting and CCT
• Always put the steering lock on
• Try to use designated motorcycle parking places with a stand and security loop
• If you're leaving your bike for some time, try to lock it to something secure. At home secure it to a ground anchor if you leave it in your garage or shed
• Use a motorbike cover
• Have the motorbike marked with its vehicle identification number (VIN)
• When purchasing security devices, make sure that all devices are either Thatcham or Sold Secure approved, as these meet the highest standards
• Don't leave items such as helmets or other possessions with your bike
10 Comments
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by Another Fed up Biker, Tewks
Tuesday, March 24 2009, 8:29PM
“As one of the biker who had his bike pinched last week I personnally would like to thank our police for the actions they have taken as they managed to retrieve my bike within only 12 hours and have arrested someone. There actions were efficient and effective. Whether our criminal system will allow them to make this man pay for his actions when it comes to court is another matter. I can well believe on this issue the police are as frustrated as the rest of us. the police are always an easy target in these maters and it is easy to point the finger when they fail to catch someone, well I think it should be highlighted when they do. Thankyou to the Cheltenham Police.”
by Mandy, cheltenham
Wednesday, March 18 2009, 12:13PM
“I think the police are a total waste of space when it comes to thieves. We had our motorcross bikes stolen twice once from the back of an unmarked locked van while we left it for 10 mins and it was under CCTV and then stolen from a locked shed and we live in a terrace property - they took out the fence panel and took 3 motorcross bikes through 2 gardens! and then to top it all our subura imprezza was stolen and the steering column was sawn off in a car park right under a CCTV camera and yes surprise surprise the CCTV camera wasn't working and yes it was Tewkesbury Borough Council. We found out who nicked the bikes both times (and the car) once from the so called layabout cruisers which the police like to watch as i went on their website and they all helped tried to find my kids bikes so fair play to them "give them a break, at least all their cars are legal and looked after" and we even told the police where it was and they couldn't do anything as they couldn't just knock on the door until they had proof or something - heresay was no good - we knew it was actually sitting in their conservatory and then sold to Twigworths!! So basically what the police are saying is if you have anything nice don't leave it anywhere, secure it like forkknots as they basically don't want to knock on "certain peoples doors" and we know who they are to try to retrieve your hard earned stolen property. We now have staffordshire bull terriers, cameras and alarms - i'll tell you it is sad what you have to do to protect your own property and to top it all you don't replace things third time as you don't want to encourage thieves on to your property so your kids go without and you drive basic vehicles that you know you have a better chance of keeping all because the police cannot be bothered.”
by Ali Hall-Cambridge, Glos
Wednesday, March 18 2009, 5:22AM
“Have to agree with you all. The police are useless in this county. It has always been a well known fact that the police hate us and they make no attempt to hide the fact. The police in Wales have a more pro-active view of us and I take my hats of to them for it, but they are still police!!!!!”
by Rodin, Tewks
Tuesday, March 17 2009, 8:26PM
“Victor, do you not realise that the police will only stop him and do anything if he is speeding or has a defective indicator!
I really don't think I need to bring people up to speed about how the police operate, but if someone breaks into my house I think I would rather call Gordon Sumner or Stewart Copeland as they would probably do more !
It's a bit like the old bloke who called the police to say someone was breaking into his shed !
When he rang they said they had no cars in the area and they were busy.
He then rang them back to say he had shot someone breaking into his shed !
The retire early with stress or a bad back pillars of society turned up in five police cars, an ambulance and helicopter to make sure that the poor old man who has committed the "BIG" crime is arrested.
I think this story is not really a true story, however one that is regularily mentioned amongst us despairers, but it exactly how we believe things to be.”
by Jeremy, Bream
Tuesday, March 17 2009, 7:46PM
“I suppose that they could have been taken by people trying to find an open Police Station, and having failed needed transport to travel to nearest one twenty miles away!”