FREE COVERS TO FIGHT BIKE CRIME
Industry teams up with police to help tackle motorcycle theft
‘They were stationed in bike bays giving tips’
Bike manufacturers and members of the Met Police Motorcycle Crime Unit were out in force last Thursday advising commuters on the best ways to prevent bike theft.
In a concerted effort across the capital, representatives were stationed in bike bays giving tips on how best to lock bikes as well as handing out free bike covers, which have been shown to dramatically reduce the likelihood of theft. The covers are a part of the ‘Lock, Chain and Cover’ approach to preventing motorcycle theft, which the Met have been pushing heavily in recent months. “Police are working hard to keep the public safe and make the streets hostile territory for criminals who steal scooters, mopeds and motorcycles and then use them for other offences,” says Detective Superintendent Lee Hill. “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, it makes it harder for thieves to steal them and use them for committing other crime.”
The representatives were also advising riders about the Motorcycle Industry Association’s (MCIA) new ‘MCIA Secured’ scheme, which rates new bikes from one to five according to the level of security fitted. It’s hoped that by highlighting the quality (or lack of) security fitted, manufacturers will be encouraged to boost security on new bikes. “The MCIA has been working closely with the Met Police, The Mayor’s Office and other London Authorities, to help tackle motorcycle and ccooter theft in the capital,” says Tony Cambell, CEO of the MCIA. “In addition to the newly-announced MCIA Secured scheme, 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 while also encouraging all riders to Lock, Chain and Cover, their bikes, so leaving nothing to chance.”