Lock, Chain, Cover was the message from the Metropolitan Police to visitors at one of the biggest motorcycle shows in the country. The Met’s Operation Venice team, who tackle scooter, moped and motorcycle crime, had a stand at the MCN Carole Nash Motorcycle Show at the ExCel Exhibition Centre, from Friday to Sunday, where they talked about how you can better protect vehicles and what the Met is doing to tackle scooter, moped and motorcycle enabled crime.
Secured by Design (SBD), the national police crime prevention initiative, supported Met officers over the three days, giving advice on crime prevention and on security products which have the SBD Police Preferred Specification.
Visitors could win security products to protect their scooters, mopeds and motorcycles. SBD member companies Trimetals donated a Protect a Bike 960 secure storage unit, Biketrac a tracker and one year’s subscription, Pragmasis – Securityforbikes.com a 1.5m long Protector 16mm security chain with a Roundlock and Henry Squire and Sons Limited an Eiger Sold Secure Motorcycle Gold Brake Disc Lock as prizes.
Visitors to the Met stand were also able to see how the Met are tackling moped crime, with the aid of Secured by Design member company SelectaDNA.
SBD member companies BikeTrac and Datatool, a brand of Scorpion Automotive Limited, were also at the show advising around the tracking and security of motorcycles, as were Premier SSL who are again sponsoring Rob Guiver, the Ducati TriOptions motorcycle champion. This season’s bike was unveiled at the show on the Friday, with Premier’s livery and SBD’s.
Police add that there is much owners of mopeds and motorcycles can do themselves; the Met advises:
– Parking: Choose designated parking with a stand and security loop, or if this is not available try areas with lots of people, good lighting and CCTV.
– Locks: Use more than one lock, focusing on disc locks and chain locks, fitted tight to the bike and through difficult-to-remove parts.
– Time: When leaving your bike for a long period or overnight, lock it to something secure and use a motorbike cover. At home consider using fitted anchors to secure your bike.
– Attention: Use audible alarms where possible to draw unwanted attention to the thieves.
– Marking: Choose to mark your bike parts with the vehicle identification number (VIN) number, your postcode or registration number using an ultraviolet marker pen or property marking kit.
– Insurance: Some companies will offer discounts on your insurance if you invest in certain security measures, so ask before you make your purchase.
Visit www.securedbydesign.com.
