Police have warned people to secure their scooters following a series of thefts of PIAGGIO VESPA scooters in Chiswick Riverside area recently.

"Motorbikes and scooters are an easy target for thieves if they are not secured, as they can be wheeled away or bundled into a van in seconds" said a spokesperson.

"Motorbike and scooter theft is big business, so it’s important to keep your machine safe by taking steps to protect it and by choosing the right security devices", say police.

In Homefields ward, the latest news is of a slight decrease in theft from motor vehicles with 11 thefts reported in 02nd June - 15th June period. Offenders are still targeting cars with items on display. There were no residential burglaries reported in that period, which the police said was excellent news. Three non-residential burglaries were reported.

There have been 48 crimes recorded in that ward during the fortnight, a 9% increase on the 44 crimes in the last reporting period.

Some tips for motorbike or scooter owners:

• If your motorbike or scooter doesn’t already have one, get something similar to a Thatcham’ or ‘Sold Secure’-approved electronic immobiliser professionally fitted. Try to get one which is also approved by your insurance company.
• If your bike has a high monetary or sentimental value, consider having a Thatcham Cat 5, or it’s equivalent security system professionally fitted. These systems send an alert to a control centre if your motorbike is stolen, track it and by remote operation prevent its engine once stopped from being re-started.
• If you have a security device, use it and keep your keys with you when you leave your machine.
• Always put the steering lock on.
• Never leave your keys with the motorbike or scooter, even for a short time. Always keep your keys in a safe place when you are at home.
• Wherever possible, use parking spaces which are built especially for motorbikes and scooters and have stands or security loops for you to secure your machine to.
• When you are not using your motorbike or scooter, put it in your garage (if you have one) and make sure it has good locks. If you do not have a garage, installing a ground anchor is a good bet.
• Get the main parts of your machine marked with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) (frame number), registration number or some other unique identifying number.
• Take steps to defeat criminals who steal number plates by thinking about fitting theft-resistant ones that conform to the DVLA standard.
• Cover your machine if possible.
• Whenever possible, avoid leaving your helmet or other possessions on the motorbike or scooter, or in luggage space.

Are you aware that you have a Neighbourhood watch Scheme in your area?
To find out more or to join up contact :Paul.Kingsmill@met.pnn.police.uk or by telephone 0208 247 6415.

The police reiterate that stolen property is recovered on a regular basis. Mobile phones, electronic equipment and bicycles all have unique serial numbers. When property is recovered police search to see if the serial number is listed on our crime records or the National Mobile Property Register. It doesn’t take long to make a record of your serial numbers and can greatly increase the chance of your property being returned to you should the worst happen. The immobilise website is a great resource for recording details of your valuables and is supported by many police forces.

- Mobile phones have a unique IMEI number. To find this for your phone, press *#06# on the keypad and write down the long number.
- Other electronic devices usually have a serial number printed on them.
- Bicycles will have a frame number stamped onto the underside.

PC Martin SUMNER 826TX Homefields Dedicated Ward Officer
Telephone 020 8247 6415 | Email Martin.Sumner@met.police.uk

June 27, 2014