Motorcycle and scooter owners parking their machines in central London are to be quizzed tomorrow (Thursday 19 July) about their approach to security in a joint industry/police drive to tackle PTW theft.
As well as talking to bikers about their riding habits and approach to security, representatives from member companies of the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA) and the Metropolitan and City of London Police will be handing out complimentary bike covers.
The anti-theft initiative follows close on the heels of the launch of MCIA Secured, a new industry initiative that rates the products of participating manufacturers. Each model is scored against the programme criteria and a star awarded for each level of security fitted as standard, to a maximum of five stars.
The MCIA says a layered approached to security, where a number of individual security items are used, has proved to be an effective way of combating theft. An important, if under-utilised element of this approach, is the use of a vehicle cover, which will be boosted by this activity.
Tony Campbell, CEO of the Motorcycle Industry Association, said: “The MCIA has been working closely with the Met Police, the mayor’s office and other London authorities to help tackle motorcycle and scooter theft in the capital. In addition to MCIA Secured, we thought it would be a great idea to meet some of London’s regular riders face to face and offer them a free cover and at the same time encourage all riders to ‘lock, chain and cover’, leaving nothing to chance.
“We need the riders’ help to tackle this problem and only by working together with the mayor and the police can this be achieved. We are counting on the support of bikers.”
Detective Superintendent Lee Hill, Metropolitan Police Service, said: “Police are working hard to keep the public safe and make the streets hostile territory for criminals who steal scooters, mopeds, motorbikes and bicycles and then use them for other offences.
“I urge all vehicle owners to lock, chain and cover their scooters, mopeds and motorcycles to make them less visible to thieves. By having extra security on their vehicles, it makes it harder for thieves to steal them and use them for committing other crime.”