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MCRG urges bikers to lock-up bikes during lockdown

Members of the Motorcycle Crime Reduction Group (MCRG) have urged motorcyclists to avoid security complacency during the pandemic, as headlines about reduced crime during the pandemic may be less accurate when it comes to motorcycle theft. 

The Office for National Statistics issued reports in August stating crime was down by 35% during the lockdown. Police National Computer (PNC) figures for stolen motorcycles are showing as much as a 45% reduction against the same period last year. These are all encouraging indicators, but input from various MCRG member organisations leads the group to urge riders not to become complacent.

The MCRG is a partnership made up of representatives from rider interest groups, the insurance and security industries, motorcycle manufacturers and retailers, and the Police with links to, and contributions from, the Home Office.

Feedback from members of the group suggests that the national figures do not give the full picture on motorcycle theft. The message from the MCRG is take care to make your bike as secure as you can. This simple message applies wherever you live and wherever you need to park, but more so if you live or park in London.

Motorcycle theft WEB INTRO

Here are some things you can do to keep your bike secure. To maximise deterrence, use multiple security measures:

  • During the day, park in a busy, public place
  • At night, if away from home, park in a well-lit area
  • Vary your parking place, don’t create a ‘pattern’ of use
  • When available always use a motorcycle parking bay with an anchor point
  • Use a “Secured Car Park” if there is one about
  • Engage the steering lock and lock/secure your bike - even if leaving it for just a couple of minutes
  • Cover your bike if possible
  • Use an approved D-shackle or chain lock
  • Secure your bike to something solid - stop it being carried or simply pushed away
  • Keep the lock and chain off the ground - it makes it more difficult to break
  • Always set your Immobiliser and alarm – it will help stop the opportunist thief or joyrider
  • At home, out of sight is invariably out of mind when it comes to a thief
  • Use an approved security marking and registration system
  • Use an approved GPS/VHF/RF satellite tracking system

Secured by Design (SBD) is the official police security initiative that is owned by the UK Police Service with the specific aim to reduce crime and help people live more safely.

SBD administers a product based accreditation– the Police Preferred Specification, which provides a recognised standard for all security products that can deter and reduce crime. SBD work with manufacturers and standards authorities to ensure that security standards are current and updated to keep pace with emerging crime trends.

There are currently many hundreds of companies producing thousands of attack resistant crime prevention products, across over 30 different crime categories, which have achieved Police Preferred Specification. You can find a list of these products here: https://www.securedbydesign.com/member-companies/accredited-product-search

SBD is the only way for companies to obtain police recognition for security-related products in the UK.