BE BIKEWISE - WATCH OUT FOR MOPED THIEVES IN DACORUM

‘SECURE your moped or motorbike or risk losing it' is the message from the Dacorum Neighbourhood safety unit following at least six thefts in Hemel Hempstead this week.

Dacorum Crime Prevention Officer David Mahon said: “Motorcycles and scooters are an easy target for thieves if they are not secured, as they can be wheeled away or placed into a van within seconds. A lot of vehicle crime results from criminals seeing opportunities and taking them. Owners of motorcycles and scooters should be BIKEWISE.”

• Between 12.30pm on October 4 and 7.15am on October 5, a red and silver Gilera was stolen from Claymore in Hemel Hempstead.

• Between 10.15pm on October 1 and 6.40am on October 2, a Runner motorcycle was stolen from Ashby Court in Hemel Hempstead.

• Between 8pm on October 1 and 10.30am on October 2, a blue Rocket MBK motorbike was stolen from Perry Green, Hemel Hempstead.

• Between 1am and 10.30am on October 1, a black Yamaha Scooter, worth £500, was stolen from The Wye in Hemel Hempstead.

• Between 8pm and 9pm on October 2, a gold and white Gilera motorcycle was stolen from The Chase in Hemel Hempstead.

• Between 10.15pm and 10.25pm on October 1, a black Peugeot moped was stolen from Guinery Grove in Hemel Hempstead.
More follows…

An 18-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and has been given police bail until October 10, 2007.

Take a few simple precautions to prevent you becoming the next victim of bike crime:

• Fit an alarm or immobiliser and use it. Using approved anti-theft devices such as ‘Sold Secure' or Thatcham may help reduce your insurance premium.

• Use a secondary lock like a disc lock, U-lock , chain or cable lock.

• Use a good quality ground anchor especially at home to chain the machine to.

• Wherever possible use parking spaces which are built especially for motorcycles and have stands or security loops for you to secure your machine to.

• Avoid leaving your helmet, gloves or other possessions on the machine or in the panniers.

• Get as many parts of your machine marked with either the frame number or registration plate number.

• Take steps to defeat criminals who steal number plates by thinking about fitting theft-resistant ones that conform to DVLA standard.

• Garage it at night or use a cover for your bike.

He added: “Remember most bike crime can be prevented. Don't give criminals an easy ride -be BIKEWISE.”

Anyone with any information about the thefts is asked to contact police on 0845 33 00 222.

October 2007