A major police operation to prevent motorcycle thefts affecting TT visitors travelling to the Isle of Man has resulted in a second consecutive year without a single bike being stolen.
Operation Needle saw Merseyside Police target crime linked to motorcycles travelling through the Liverpool ferry terminal. Officers also worked alongside Lancashire Police to support TT visitors travelling via the port of Heysham, sharing information and intelligence to target criminals operating between the two terminals.
The operation monitored around 7000 motorcyclists travelling through Liverpool city centre and ensured that no motorcycles were reported stolen en route to the TT ferries. It aimed to prevent motorcycle theft, reassure riders, and identify, disrupt and apprehend those targeting motorcycles.
Commenting on Operation Needle’s success, Merseyside police officer Sergeant Craig Winstanley said: “It’s great news that no motorcycles were reported stolen in Liverpool city centre for the second year running. We got the right result for all the hard work our team put into ensuring motorcyclists visiting the city, as well as those who live or work here, felt safe and they were supported by officers with advice and equipment to help secure their motorcycles.”
Operation Needle also involved extra police patrols and a visible police presence. Pods were again deployed at locations across Liverpool too, enabling motorcycles to be monitored by CCTV cameras.