Police urge owners to lock up mopeds as thefts spike

Police in Cambridge are urging moped and motorbike owners to secure their bikes following a rise in thefts.

Unsecure motorcycles, scooters and mopeds are being targeted by thieves at a rate of almost one a day as they are lightweight and can be wheeled away easily.

Between 1 May and 9 June there have been 29 reported thefts in Cambridge city alone.

Sergeant Kevin Sutcliffe, from the Cambridge city neighbourhood team, said: “We’re seeing an increase in mopeds, scooters and motorbikes of all makes and models being taken from driveways, car parks and public places by simply being wheeled away.

“Thieves only need a matter of seconds to steal one, especially if they are left with poor security. We’re asking owners to take preventative measures to deter thieves.”

As well as urging people to ‘lock, chain and cover’, officers are recommending the use of an ‘Airtag’ hidden on the bike, or a similar tracking system.

Lock

Use a disc lock to help secure the front brake disc

Chain

Use a chain lock through the back wheel and where possible secure your bike, with the lock to an immovable object like a ground anchor or street furniture.

Cover

Thieves often ‘shop’ for particular models. Using a cover instantly makes it less attractive to them.

There are other measures that can be taken including fitting an alarm, making parts of the bike to make them difficult for criminals to sell on, keeping your bike in a garage, shed, or in a well-lit area with CCTV.

More keeping vehicles safe advice is available on our website. If you have been a victim of theft, report it to police online.