The Road Safety Unit will be there
Moped and motorbike owners will get the chance to pick up a free bike lock as part of a crime prevention event in Ramsgate later this month.
Organised by the Thanet Community Safety Partnership, the Safer Streets Lock It or Lose It event is aimed at supporting motorcycle owners and encouraging them to take steps against vehicle theft.
People are invited to bring their bikes along to Harbour Parade on Saturday 23 October 2021 from 11am onwards.
Officers from Kent Police’s Community Policing Team (CPT) in Thanet will have a limited number of heavy duty locking bike chains available for any local residents who have a motorcycle registered in their name.
Officers from the Kent Roads Safety Unit will also attend and there will be other agencies and representatives from the motorcycle industry to provide advice on staying safe on and off the roads, as well as vehicle maintenance.
Sergeant Sean Scarsbrook from Thanet CPT said: ‘Historically a lot of motorcycle thefts reported in the district relate specifically to mopeds and 125cc off-road bikes, so the free locks will be prioritised for anyone who attends the event and can prove they live locally and own such a bike.
‘However, everyone is welcome to come along and speak to our officers and the other organisations attending to discuss keeping vehicles safe and secure as well as advice on safer riding.
‘Having your bike stolen can be inconvenient and upsetting, and part of the work our team carries out is to proactively identify and arrest vehicle thieves.
‘We also want to encourage motorbike and moped owners to work with us and review their own security habits.
‘We hope that people will come along to our event, meet the team, see some of the bikes used by the force and learn more about staying safe.’
Taking steps against thieves
Sgt Scarsbrook said there were simple steps vehicle owners could take to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of theft.
‘Lock, chain and cover your bike to make it harder for thieves to window-shop their next target.
‘Park your bike in a secure location, out of sight in a garage or secure back garden.
‘If you have to leave your bike in a public location, try to find somewhere well-lit where it is overlooked and even covered by CCTV.
‘Property mark parts of the bike as it is easier to identify the rightful owner if it gets stolen, but also harder for thieves to sell on.’
For more advice on keeping your vehicle safe from thieves, visit our advice pages.