Met Police issues theft warning

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WITH more people buying motorbikes, the Met are warning purchasers to protect themselves from getting one that could contain stolen parts.

The warning comes on the back of an investigation by the Met's Stolen Vehicle Unit that has found stolen bikes are being given new identities and resold to unsuspecting buyers, both privately and through dealerships.

Over 126 stolen bikes were recovered during the summer, with many others having been identified. Most of these ended up being bought innocently by people unaware they were potentially riding an unsafe bike every day and that it actually belongs to someone else.

The investigation has concentrated on organised gangs of criminals across the UK who have been involved in the theft and sale of stolen motorcycles. Detectives found that rather than the commonly held belief that sports motorbikes were stolen and used in track days, or stripped for their parts, many are being given new identities and resold to unsuspecting buyers.

Fifteen people are currently on police bail for handling stolen motorbikes and insurance fraud. An additional four people involved in the building of race motorbikes have been arrested and bailed in relation to the sale of motorbike frames.

The Met advises carrying out the following checks before buying a bike:

When buying a used motorbike private buyers and dealers should check not only that the frame and engine numbers match the paperwork but that they are correctly stamped in the correct font for the manufacturer.

A credit check is an invaluable way to ascertain whether a vehicle is in itself a stolen vehicle. However, it will not reveal whether the number plate being checked is on the wrong vehicle and the frame and engine numbers have been altered to correspond with the number plate. If in doubt what the font should look like, visit a reputable dealer and have a look at chassis numbers on some of their new bikes.

Always secure unattended motorbikes. Where possible secure to an immoveable object or to another's chain. Use a good quality chain and lock and try to secure the bike so that the chain does not lie on the ground as this makes it easier for a thief to break.
The majority of the recovered motorbikes were stolen by simply pushing them away, or lifting into a van.

Article and image taken from http://www.motorcyclemonthly.co.uk/opinion.html#2