The National Motorcycle Dealers Association has hit back at the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, who last week tweeted that it was time manufacturers improved OEM security measures on bikes “to help keep Londers safe”.
NMDA chief Steve Latham has put the blame firmly back with the mayor and called for more resources for the Metropolitan police.
In an open letter to Khan, Latham writes: “Mr Mayor, it is ridiculous to blame this crime wave on motorcycle manufacturers. Except for Triumph, all bikes sold in the UK are build overseas and have to meet EU ‘type approvals’ standards of construction for safety and security to be sold anywhere in Europe.
“The theft epidemic and assaults on motorcyclists is hardly a big issue elseward in Europe, and in many other parts of the UK. London is the world centre for this crime due to low respect for law and order and very low visible policing in the capital, along with weak deterrents against these young thugs.
Â
“The vast majority of motorcycle crime is carried out by very young criminals on scooters who need next to no experience to ride as they work through a twist-&-go gearbox (equivalent to automatic on cars). It is these bike that are generally used in bike-enabled crime as they are manageable get-away vehicles. Bigger motorcycles are better protected and harder to ride away as they are heavier and have manual gearboxes and clutch. Therefore, these bigger motorcycles are more likely to be stolen for financial gain by professional criminals.
Â
“The reality is that motorcycle and scooters will never be as secure as cars that have doors to lock away the controls and drivers. We need more and better policing, more respect in society and the PC brigade need to stop pussy footing around caring about law breakers. it’s down to you Mr Mayor, you’re in control so stop looking for a scapegoat to blame.”
Â