Freedom of Information (FOI) figures that have been received by the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) in the West Midlands are demonstrating a glimmer of hope for all riders in the region.
Figures for the last quarter of 2017 show a 25% reduction in motorcycle theft in the West Midlands when compared with the same period in 2016. Figures for the last quarter of 2016 showed a massive spike that seemed to coincide with the antisocial use of motorcycles around Halloween. West Midlands Police activity on the lead-up to Halloween 2017 appears to have shown dividends.
PC Paul Ennis of West Midlands Police said “West Midlands Police are delighted to see a reduction in the number of motorcycle thefts for the period; it shows that a partnership approach to this area of crime can make a significant difference. We will continue to work with partners and offer advice at a series of events over the coming year. Our aim is to reduce the number of machines that get stolen, reducing the personal loss to individuals and the knock on effect that stolen machines have in other areas of criminal antisocial behaviour”.
Colin Brown, Director of Campaigns & Political Engagement for MAG said “This is a welcome development that demonstrates that proactive policing and the raft of measures being used by West Midlands Police are having an impact.” Colin went on to air a word of caution: “We do need to recognise, however, that overall theft figures for 2017 were still more than 13% higher than in 2016. The scale of this issue sees bikers being significantly more likely to have their vehicle stolen than other road users. The fight is far from over but this may just indicate a tipping point – let’s keep up the pressure.”
Despite a massive rise in car theft (78% increase in 2017 compared to 2016) West Midlands motorcyclists are still over 8 times more likely to suffer from vehicle theft than car owners. Interestingly cyclists, who have seen significant infrastructure investment in secure parking facilities, can boast that cycle theft has, in the same period, actually reduced by nearly 7%.
West Midlands MAG has partnered with West Midlands Police and Streetbike to hold a motorcycle security night on 6th April. Attendees will have the chance to hear what West Midlands Police are doing about bike theft, hear how MAG is working on the issue locally and nationally and receive some excellent discounts on security devices for their machines. The event will give bikers the opportunity to ask questions and make points directly to the Police as well as getting help and advice on keeping their machines secure. Find more details on the West Midlands Motorcycle Action Group Facebook Page.
Contact MAG at 01926 844 064 or central-office@mag-uk.org
Event flier link: wiki.mag-uk.org/images/4/46/SB—Security-Night.png
Updated position statement:
wiki.mag-uk.org/images/d/d1/Position_Statement_Theft_updated_12.03.2018.pdf