Datatag reports that the MASTER Security Scheme has almost halved motorcycle theft since its launch in 2012, and the Egham-based company demonstrated its commitment to fighting bike theft at last weekend’s MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship event at Brands Hatch. The company, which delivers the scheme, joined forces with circuit owners MSV and Kent Police Road Policing Unit to run the second scanning event this year at the circuit.
Kent Police’s team, including an ANPR car and police motorcyclists, along with Datatag staff, checked more than 500 bikes during the weekend. Motorcycles were scanned for the Official MASTER Security System and Datatag alongside engine and frame number checks, all in the hunt for stolen bikes and parts. The team says it found more than 65% of bikes in the main bike park had either Datatag or the Official MASTER Scheme system already installed.
The campaign was said to be overwhelmingly well received by race fans, with many praising the work of the team in stamping out bike theft.
Dave Luscombe of Datatag said: “Events like this demonstrate Datatag’s ongoing support for the Official MASTER Scheme, while the penetration of marked bikes within the overall bike park demonstrates the success of the scheme and that riders recognise the benefits of security marking. Latest theft stats show that the MASTER Scheme has almost halved motorcycle theft since its launch in 2012.”
PC Tony Green, from Kent Police, said: “The British Superbike events attract massive numbers of riders and it was a great opportunity to engage with motorcyclists, and offer crime prevention advice and safety tips. Having a positive presence at these events will send a strong message to bike thieves that we are not only proactively targeting them, but also looking to work with motorcyclists to ensure they are fully up to date on the various steps they can take to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime.”
The MASTER Security Scheme is supported by major manufacturers who fit the technology on all their new bikes. More information at www.masterscheme.org.