27
Jun
2017
By Calvin at 16:14 GMT, 6 years ago
The Met have recently published a new video to highlight the problem of scooter theft in the capital. Their message is a simple one: "The more visible the security, the less visible your scooter is to thieves: adding extra security makes it harder for them to steal."
It’s a similar message for mopeds and motorcycles (and bicycles frankly), but scooters are being highlighted because there are so many being stolen and used in crime. Met figures show that over 15,000 scooters, motorcycles and mopeds were stolen in London in the last year - more than half of all stolen vehicles in the capital - and scooters were used in the commission of over 14,000 crimes up to May 17 this year.
The video is part of the Met’s Operation Venice (Venice?) which is working with industry partners and dealerships to introduce security awareness at the point of purchase of a scooter. The Met’s news item tells us that Compulsory Basic Training providers, who run scooter training courses, will help promote security messages during training sessions and that industry, councils, partners, insurers and manufacturers will increase security awareness and work towards longer term solutions to make scooters harder to steal.
Here’s their sensible crime prevention advice with some of my own bits added:
- 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. Where possible park in a ParkMark secure car park some of which have facilities for motorcyclists, such as helmet lockers.
- Locks: Use more than one lock, focusing on disc locks and chain locks, fitted tight to the bike and through difficult-to-remove parts. Don’t let the chain/cable rest on the road, because it can be more easily cut.
- 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. Use a proper LPS 1225 security standard marking kit and secure database. UV pens, although better than nothing, are not that effective.
- Insurance: Some companies will offer discounts on your insurance if you invest in certain security measures, so ask before you make your purchase. Be aware that a discount will probably mean that you will HAVE to use the additional security. If it’s not being you may not be insured for theft!
I do hope the industry does move forward to build-in better security, just as the car manufacturers have done.
Source: Metropolitan Police http://news.met.police.uk/news/mets-be-safe-campaign-around-preventing-theft-of-scooters-248027
